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Ayurveda
The Simple Art of Washing Your Face
by Shreelata Suresh
 Did you know
that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity,
suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how
often you cleanse? Whether you're young or old, man or woman, you can do
your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.
Cleansing is
arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper
cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime,
make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to
breathe freely. Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to
receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.
Here are some
tips for proper facial cleansing from the 5,000-year-old healing tradition
of Ayurveda:
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Cleanse twice
a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust,
grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any
skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural
oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the
night, may lead to build-up and eruptions.
-
Choose a
cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on
facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A
too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate
the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and
oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production
and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle,
fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.
Traditional ayurvedic cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients
such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or
clarifying herbs such as turmeric, Amalaki, Neem and sandalwood,
emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus
waters for pure healing fragrance. You can make your own by mixing the
dry ingredients to last a week or two and blending the mix with milk or
cream right before use. Otherwise, look for a natural cleanser that's
gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.
-
Always
cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time,
and cold water won't dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as
well as lukewarm water.
-
If you use
sponges or washcloths, make sure they are clean and soft. They are not
necessary for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a
job.
-
Wash your
hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working
dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.
-
Start by
splashing tepid water on your face and neck.
-
Apply the
cleanser with your fingertips or a soft sponge, using gentle circular
massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub
too much; gentle massaging strokes are enough to help improve circulation
as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing
will stretch skin and irritate it, especially the delicate skin around
the eyes.
-
Rinse with
lots of tepid water. Don't forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck
and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.
-
Gently blot
off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along
skin.
-
Follow
immediately with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for
your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when
skin is receptive.
January 2, 2005
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga
instructor from the Bay Area, and she writes on yoga and Ayurveda for
different publications. To subscribe to free newsletters on Ayurveda, or
for more information, please visit
http://www.ayurbalance.com.
Disclaimer:
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on
Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
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Ayurveda
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