Washing your face seems like a minor matter, but there are lots of things to be noted, such as the choice of water temperature, steps of face washing and skin care methods.
The water temperature most suitable for skin cleaning is about 34℃ which is between normal skin and body temperature. This can not only remove skin metabolites and dirt, it also has a certain soothing and protective effect on the skin, which is conducive to the repair of skin barrier.
Relatively cold water (below 20℃) has astringing effects on the skin, but long-term use will cause lasting contraction of skin blood vessels, making the skin pale and dark, reducing the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands, and attenuating elasticity. Wrinkles and spots will develop more easily. In addition, since the pores are tightly closed, it is difficult to remove sebum secretions, dust and residues accumulated on the face. Therefore, washing the face with cold water cannot benefit the skin, on the contrary, it may cause cuticle thickening and rough skin.
Water that is too hot (higher than 38℃) will dilate capillaries of skin, dissolve sebum, loosen the skin, and enlarge pores, as well as promote the excretion of metabolites. Therefore, it has a stronger ability to clean. However, long-term use of hot water can easily reduce sebum, dry the skin and weaken the integrity of the vascular wall, resulting in enlarged pores, loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
Suggested way for washing face: Use as little soap as possible, or no soap at all, and try to wash your face with cold and hot water alternatively.
This method of face washing can not only clean the skin, it can also promote the constriction and dilation of superficial blood vessels of skin, enhancing cutaneous respiration and promoting facial blood circulation so as to delay skin aging and protect the skin.
For people with sensitive skin, because their cuticle layer is thin and skin resistance is poor, the water used for washing face should be close to the temperature of the skin surface, or around 36~37℃, so as to avoid cold or hot stimulation of sensitive skin.
Chinese herbs are widely used in skin care and cleaning. In people's daily life, in addition to clear water, Chinese medicine is often added when washing the face, which is beneficial to the skin care if done consistently over time.
For example, adding Chrysanthemum Flower (Jú Huā, Flos Chrysanthemi) to the water. Flos Chrysanthemi is cool in property, functioning to clear heat and resolve toxins. It can relieve redness and inhibit the formation of acne. In addition, it can effectively inhibit the production of skin melanin so as to whiten skin and improve age spots.
Chinese Angelica (Dāng Guī, Radix Angelicae Sinensis) can also be used. It is warm in property with the functions of invigorating blood and removing stasis. Washing the face with the liquid from boiling Radix Angelicae Sinensis has a certain effect on black spots, lessening or lightening them. It can also moisturize the skin so as to prevent and treat dry skin, desquamation and itching of facial skin.
Bletilla Rhizome (Bái Jí, Rhizoma Bletillae) can also be added. It has good whitening and moisturizing effects to relieve dry skin. It can also relieve swelling and promote granulation with astringent effects. With long-term use, it can inhibit the formation of acne and remove acne marks.
