Home » Skin care » Cleansing » How often can you cleanse your face?
The answer to the question of how often you can cleanse your face will depend on your skin type and condition. It is these factors that are fundamental in the balance of all the pros and cons of facial cleansing, whatever it may be: manual, vacuum or laser-based. To understand which cleansing is best to choose in a particular case, you need to dwell in detail on each type of cleansing and consider the features of these procedures.
Factors influencing cleaning frequency
Experts advise starting to take care of your facial skin as early as adolescence, since unaesthetic blackheads appear in adolescents due to hormonal changes.
Up to 30 years of age, the skin remains naturally healthy and fresh, but in order to avoid the appearance of premature age-related pigmentation and swelling, you still need to do periodic facial cleansing at a young age.
So, the need for facial cleansing, and how often you should resort to it, depends on your age and condition. The frequency is influenced by factors such as:
- skin type (normal, oily, dry or combination);
- type of procedure – manual, hardware (options – cleaning with ultrasound, laser, vacuum or
- brushing, which involves mechanical cleansing of the face).
For purposes of efficiency, and based on the type of cleaning and problems with the dermis, procedures are carried out once a month, once every three months or once every six months. If there are no particular problems, it is enough to visit a cosmetologist once a year. In addition, it is also useful: during manipulations, the cosmetologist simultaneously massages the oval of the face, that is, manual lifting occurs.
At what age can you start cleaning?
You need to take care of your skin from a very early age. Only the methods and means for a girl of 18 will be somewhat different from those recommended for a girl of 30 or 40. And if everything is more or less clear about the products, then we need to talk about the procedures separately.
At what age can you have your face cleaned by a cosmetologist? This is a purely individual question. If there are indications, you should seek the services of a master at the age of 18. But experts are unanimous in their opinion - unless there is a special reason for it, facial cleansing (especially hardware techniques) is best used after 25-30 years.
Until this age, ideally, the synthesis of substances responsible for the condition of the skin proceeds normally. The functions of the endocrine glands are not impaired, so dead epithelial cells exfoliate on their own or with little help (a scrub or a light fruit peel is enough).
But after 25, for natural physiological reasons, all processes slow down. Starting at this age, doing a cleansing facial is not only possible, but also necessary.
Important. Age-related changes have no clear boundaries. Their onset depends entirely on the genetic factor. But negative environmental influences can somewhat accelerate the aging process. Therefore, the verdict is - watch your appearance, notice changes and take adequate measures.
How often can you cleanse your face depending on your skin type?
Cosmetological manipulations with the dermis of the face to one degree or another disrupt the epithelium, so the frequency of procedures depends on the type of skin. If you clean more often than necessary, the procedures can only cause harm.
For oily and combination skin types
Professional cosmetic manipulations help normalize the secretion function of the sebaceous glands. This includes cleansing pores from sebum blockages and preventing inflammation of various etiologies.
How often you visit a cosmetologist depends on the chosen method of cleaning and the physical condition of the skin.
As a rule, when contacting a specialist for the first time, deep cleaning is carried out in several visits, then it is necessary to carry out the procedure at least once every 2 months.
For dry skin types
If the face is dry, sensitive to mechanical stress and cosmetic preparations, atraumatic methods are used. The dermis with a fine structure requires the selection of cleansing, disinfecting, softening, nourishing and moisturizing agents.
Techniques are used to enhance blood circulation in the vessels of the upper layer. After the procedure, it is recommended to use restorative compounds for several days. Dry skin can be cleansed every 4-6 months.
For normal skin type
Having a normal type of facial skin is a great happiness; the owner only has to maintain a fresh appearance and take preventive measures from time to time - make gentle vitamin masks, use nourishing creams.
With normal dermis, cosmetologists recommend only manipulations to prevent problems from occurring. More careful care will only be required as you age. Desirable procedures are a course of superficial peeling using a hardware method, the frequency of sessions is no more than once every 3-4 months.
Why is it important to cleanse your face?
Face cleaning
Facial cleansing is nothing more than an effective way to get rid of comedones and blackheads that spoil the appearance of the skin by polluting its pores. For residents of megacities, this issue is very acute, since due to poor ecology, the problem of acne is familiar to many.
Harmful environmental influences dry out the skin, and to protect it, our sebaceous glands constantly regenerate an oily substance to the surface. It, like a film, covers the entire face, reliably protecting it from negative factors: dust, wind, exhaust gases.
Everything would be fine, but only some have a face clear of acne, while others suffer from this problem all their lives. This situation is caused by a violation of cellular renewal, due to which an imbalance occurs: sebum production increases, and cell regeneration slows down. As a result, the skin is not able to cope with excess fat on its own and cleansing does not occur. Subsequently, this leads to clogged pores and deterioration of appearance.
The main reasons for this condition can be constant stress, hormonal imbalances, and an unhealthy lifestyle (unhealthy diet, too fatty and high-calorie foods, lack of sleep). Sometimes acne is a consequence of illness.
Conventional cosmetic products (masks, scrubs, gels, etc.) cannot solve the problem, since comedones are quite deep and cannot simply be washed off. To make your skin beautiful and clean, you cannot do without the help of cosmetologists. Only professional cleaning in a salon can effectively rid your face of comedones and pimples.
To figure out which procedure is best to apply in each specific case, you need to consider the main features of the most popular cleansing methods offered today in facial cosmetology.
Minimum interval for different types of cleaning
There are recommended intervals for procedures, otherwise the protective covering may be damaged. If the structure of the epithelium is damaged, the skin will begin to react negatively to the effects of aggressive factors - frost, heat, sun rays, cosmetic care products.
In beauty salons, there are four types of cleaning – ultrasonic, mechanical, chemical and hardware.
Ultrasonic
This universal procedure is recommended for any skin type and is often combined with chemical and mechanical cleansing. Ultrasonic waves remove dead particles of epithelium and sebaceous secretions.
This cleansing prevents aging, promotes elasticity and maintains a fresh complexion. 4 sessions per year are enough, that is, with the onset of the new season.
Mechanical
This is a traditional method of manual cleaning. It is recommended for those whose facial skin is oily, often inflamed and covered with pimples. During the procedure, sebaceous accumulations clogging them are removed from the pores, acne is squeezed out and treated.
Mechanical cleaning is painful and traumatic. If there is inflammation, it is recommended to do it once every 3 weeks to heal the facial skin. For prevention, sessions are repeated every 2–2.5 months.
Chemical
There are three types - superficial, middle and deep. The method is effective in removing blackheads, helps narrow pores, and prevents acne. A positive side effect is the disappearance of fine wrinkles and increased tone.
For superficial cleaning, sessions are repeated every 4–6 months. This peeling maintains healthy skin, improves color, and prevents acne.
With mid-cleaning, a session is carried out no more often than once every 12 months. This type of cleansing removes signs of age-related changes, minor scars and scars from the face.
Expert opinion
Elena Apostolyuk
Cosmetologist
Deep cleaning is comparable to surgery. It can only be done by a plastic surgeon. This type of cleaning is acceptable 2-3 times in a lifetime.
Hardware
This procedure is a regular preventive care to prolong the youthfulness of the skin, better complexion and normalize the function of the sebaceous glands.
To get lasting results, it is recommended to take a course of 4-8 sessions with an interval of 14 days between them. Then the procedure is required no more than once a month. The procedure does not injure the dermis, so it can be performed at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions.
As for choosing the type of professional cleaning, a cosmetologist will recommend it. The specialist will take into account the characteristics of the facial skin, its physical condition, and will also recommend which cosmetic products are best to use after the procedure to prolong the effect.
Rating
Types: brief description and sequence of actions
Without any exaggeration, facial cleansing can be called one of the most popular services of any beauty salon. Professional cosmetologists perform it in many different ways: from simple mechanical effects on the skin to the use of modern ultrasound, vacuum and laser devices.
Manual cleaning
The most simple and effective way to eliminate skin problems, performed without the use of any tools. Only the cosmetologist’s fingers are involved in the process.
- Tonic or lotion. What is a facial toner or lotion for? To thoroughly cleanse the patient’s skin of impurities and traces of cosmetics, this occurs in the first stage of the procedure.
- The cleansed face is steamed using a special device - a vaporizer. To obtain a softening effect, a decoction of medicinal herbs is placed in the evaporator.
- Having wrapped his fingers in sterile napkins (over disposable gloves), the cosmetologist begins to remove dirt, blackheads and sebaceous plugs. He immediately wipes each treated area with a solution of medical alcohol.
- To disinfect the skin at the end of the session, some salons treat it with liquid nitrogen. Much more often, after the procedure, a mask is applied to the face, the ingredients and properties of which completely depend on the skin type.
- After removing the mask, the face is anointed with cream.
The effectiveness of manual cleansing is quite high, since the cosmetologist sequentially - centimeter by centimeter - treats each area of the skin. Considering the traumatic nature of this method, which manifests itself in redness and swelling of the treated areas of the skin, it is recommended to resort to it in the evening hours of the day before the weekend. During this time, the swelling of the skin subsides and the face takes on a flawless appearance.
Since the manual cleaning procedure is quite painful and is performed without anesthesia, it is not recommended for people with a low pain threshold. It is equally undesirable for those with overly sensitive and thin skin, as well as for those who have recently suffered a viral or fungal disease, to resort to it.
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Mechanical
The procedure for mechanical facial cleansing, which can help get rid of acne, is performed using special, carefully sterilized instruments:
- Vidal needle is designed to pierce sebaceous plugs;
- the strainer is used to remove multiple pimples, clusters of comedones and to treat the surface of the nose;
- The Uno spoon, which has a single hole, allows you to squeeze out small pimples on the face.
Since the use of tools hardly injures the surface of the skin, such cleaning can be applied even to sensitive skin.
Mechanical cleansing is also recommended for those with skin characterized by increased sebum secretion: they are the ones who are susceptible to the formation of comedones, acne and enlarged pores.
- After cleansing with tonic, the face is steamed using a vaporizer or in a steam bath.
- Armed with tools, the cosmetologist removes blackheads, comedones and pimples, and cleans clogged pores. Each treated area and used instrument is immediately disinfected with an alcohol solution to avoid cross-infection.
- Having finished cleansing and removing dirt and sebum from the face, the specialist applies a soothing mask that helps tighten the pores.
- After removing the mask, the skin is treated with a moisturizing serum. Cosmetologists often use Stopproblem salicylic lotion.
Since microdamage to the skin can cause mild inflammation of the skin, mechanical cleansing should be performed before the weekend. A contraindication to mechanical cleaning is the presence of a number of skin diseases.
The cost of mechanical cleaning in Moscow salons ranges from one to four thousand rubles.
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Chemical
The chemical peeling procedure (atraumatic facial cleansing) consists of exposing the skin to products containing a large amount of acids (salicylic, glycolic or fruit).
The mechanism of action of different acids on the skin is almost identical, with fruit acid being more suitable for normal skin, glycolic acid for problematic and oily skin, and salicylic acid for dry skin.
Under the influence of a chemical reagent, the upper epidermal layers are destroyed, and along with them, sebaceous plugs and all external manifestations of inflammatory processes disappear.
- After removing makeup and cleansing the face, the cosmetologist applies a mask containing fruit acids to it. Its purpose is to warm up the skin, preparing it for the main procedure and thereby preventing burns.
- After removing the mask, the specialist applies an active drug with a high acid content, which destroys the layer of keratinized epidermal cells and dissolves acne and sebaceous plugs.
- Applying a soothing mask that tightens pores promotes rapid restoration of the skin.
- The final stage of chemical facial cleansing is the application of a nourishing cream selected according to your skin type. The total duration of the procedure is no more than twenty minutes.
Chemical peeling of the face helps renew the skin: it becomes smooth and fresh. Regular dry cleaning helps improve facial coloring, disappearance of fine wrinkles and improve blood microcirculation. Leading to very fast results and not requiring a recovery period, chemical facial cleansing helps in emergency situations when you need to look flawless.
Unfortunately, treating old acne and pimples does not give the same result, so girls with more complex cosmetic defects will have to resort to a different cleansing method.
The average cost of a chemical peeling procedure ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
Galvanic cleaning procedure.
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Galvanic
Galvanic cleansing (or disincrustation) is a procedure that involves applying weak electrical impulses to the skin of the face. The strength of the currents used is so weak that the patient practically does not feel their effects.
However, the procedure produces a pronounced visual effect: it promotes the outflow of sebum from the glands that produce it, dissolving skin impurities and softening comedones.
Under the influence of currents, the softened contents of the skin pores are brought to the surface of the skin, where they react with the alkaline composition applied to them, resulting in the formation of soap. The cosmetologist only has to remove it from the surface of the skin.
- To prepare the skin for galvanic cleansing, the face is cleansed of cosmetics, after which a small amount of alkaline gel is applied to areas of the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin (characterized by increased oiliness). It is this substance that plays the role of a conductor of electrical impulses and a solvent of skin impurities.
- Having picked up a portable galvanic device equipped with a round attachment that emits weak electric currents, the cosmetologist begins to make circular movements with it. Under the influence of currents, tissue trophism improves significantly, so cosmetologists often combine the process of facial cleansing with the introduction of certain cosmetics into the epidermis.
- Considering the high efficiency of the cleansing effect, cosmetologists recommend using disincrustation after a vacuum cleaning session. It has been noticed that galvanic cleansing contributes to a significant smoothing of the skin (as with superficial peeling).
- The final stage of galvanic cleansing is the removal of sebum and dissolved impurities from the surface of the skin. Given the complete absence of inflammation, after the disincrustation procedure, the skin does not require disinfection or special care.
Galvanic cleansing is contraindicated for those with thin and dry skin, as well as people suffering from eczema, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, hypertension, cancer and infectious diseases. It is not advisable to perform it during pregnancy. An absolute contraindication to disincrustation is wearing an electrical implant and a pacemaker. The cost of one galvanic facial cleansing procedure ranges from 400-1500 rubles.
Laser facial cleansing.
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Laser
To perform the laser cleaning procedure, a special device is used that acts on the skin using a directed laser beam. After burning out the layer of keratinized epidermis, active growth of young cells begins. Laser cleaning consists of three stages:
- Facial cleansing and make-up removal.
- Short-term exposure to a laser beam on the skin of problem areas.
- Applying a soothing mask selected according to skin type.
Laser cleansing stimulates complete renewal of the skin, activating the synthesis of collagens - proteins responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Using this procedure, you can eliminate severe acne, remove old comedones, small scars and scars.
Considering the high traumatic impact and the danger of infection (the fragile layer of young skin is an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microflora - pathogens of herpes, staphylococcus and mites), the skin will need special care for several days.
An absolute contraindication to the procedure is the presence of:
- diabetes mellitus (due to fragility of blood vessels);
- epilepsy;
- oncological diseases;
- tendency to develop keloid scars;
- systemic diseases (such as dermatomyositis and lupus erythematosus);
- herpes and a scattering of pustules.
The laser facial cleansing procedure belongs to the category of expensive procedures. Depending on the area of impact (the cost of processing one square centimeter averages 50 rubles), a client can pay from 12,000 to 20,000 rubles for facial cleansing.
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Ultrasonic cleaning procedure
Ultrasonic
A highly effective ultrasonic facial cleansing procedure is carried out using a special device - an ultrasonic facial cleansing device. Thanks to the emission of ultrasonic waves, which have a slight massage effect, pores open and blood circulation significantly improves. Steaming the face is not required, so trauma to the skin is completely excluded.
The sequence of actions of the cosmetologist is as follows:
- First, he thoroughly cleanses the skin with tonic or lotion, and then applies a properly selected cream to the face.
- Having determined the treatment area, the specialist equips the device with a special pad and exposes the skin to vibrations of ultrasonic waves. As a result, the sebaceous ducts are effectively cleansed and the layer of keratinized epithelium is removed.
- After disinfecting the skin, the cosmetologist applies a mask that has a calming and relaxing effect.
- After removing the mask, the skin is anointed with a generous portion of moisturizing or nourishing cream.
The main advantages of this manipulation include its complete painlessness and non-traumatic nature. After ultrasonic facial cleansing sessions there is no inflammation, redness or swelling.
Contraindications to the procedure are hypertension, cardiovascular and oncological diseases, thrombophlebitis, as well as open wounds on the treated area of skin. The cost of ultrasonic facial cleansing is relatively low. Depending on the type and condition of the skin, it can range from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles.
Facial cleansing with vacuum.
Vacuum
The procedure is based on performing lymphatic drainage massage using vacuum equipment equipped with a special suction cup that draws in the contents of clogged pores due to negative pressure.
Vacuum cleaning steps:
- Facial makeup removal, skin cleansing.
- Steaming the skin using a vaporizer or gel to help open the pores.
- Performing circular movements, the cosmetologist moves the vacuum suction cup, pulling out dirt and sebaceous plugs from the pores. During the manipulation, the device is periodically disinfected using a special solution.
- Applying a soothing mask that tightens open pores. Sometimes, instead of a mask, the client's face is exposed to infrared radiation using a special lamp (this has a similar effect).
- Treating the skin with moisturizing cream.
The vacuum cleaning procedure is painless and non-traumatic, there is no swelling after it, and there is no redness or irritation of the skin.
Providing a slight lifting effect, vacuum cleansing of the skin helps tighten the facial contour. This moment is especially appreciated by women seeking to delay the first signs of skin aging.
If the sebaceous plugs are lodged too deeply in the pores, it will not be possible to remove them using a vacuum tube. In this case, the cosmetologist will most likely be forced to use a mechanical method of cleansing the skin. The cost of one session of vacuum facial cleansing ranges from 500 to 2500 rubles.
Summary
Before you figure out how often to cleanse your face, you need to know about the presence of contraindications. Each procedure has its own. But there are several general prohibitions:
- pronounced, widespread rosacea (vascular network). This problem is more of a medical nature and requires treatment by other methods (including medications);
- acne grade 3-4. If you have a few pimples, it's not a problem. But if there are a lot of inflamed formations, you need to contact a dermatologist. He will prescribe treatment that will remove the inflammatory process. And only after this a cosmetic effect is possible;
- infectious diseases, herpes in the acute stage;
- any illness accompanied by elevated body temperature;
- menstruation and a few days before it. At this time, the skin may become inflamed due to physiological hormonal surges. In addition, the pain sensitivity threshold increases.
For all hardware methods, an absolute contraindication will be oncology of any localization, diseases of the cardiovascular system, pacemakers, endocrine disorders (ultrasound, laser).
The benefits of facial cleansing are undeniable. If we take into account all the complete and temporary prohibitions, any cosmetic procedure will give the expected result if the post-care rules are followed. A specialist always talks about them.
Just no hands!
Dry facial cleansing is sometimes confused with chemical peeling. So, chemical peeling is a harsh procedure during which old skin peels off under the influence of drugs. During dry cleaning, substances penetrate the epidermis for slightly different purposes.
Chemical cleansing is divided into drug and enzymatic, depending on what the cosmetologist uses. For preparative cleaning, oleic, citric, malic, glycolic and lactic acids are used. For enzymatic cleaning, as you can easily guess from the name, enzymes are used: bromelain and papain.
Dry cleaning does not involve physical impact on the skin at all. To begin with, a cleansing mixture is applied to the face (most often with glycolic acid), then the actual cleaning begins with a more “caustic” composition. Its result is heating of the skin, as well as softening and partial dissolution of fatty cores. The procedure is completed with a soft, soothing mask.
Tools Overview
To the basic skincare arsenal: cleansing + moisturizing + sun protection - in adolescence, corrective cosmetics against rashes are often required.
Cleansing
Pureté Thermale, Vichy, a radiant cleansing foam based on thermal water and shea tree extract, gently removes impurities and refreshes the skin.
Effaclar, La Roche-Posay foaming cleansing gel for oily skin contains zinc pidolate, known for its anti-inflammatory effect. Effectively removes dirt and sebum from the skin.
A cleansing gel for normal to oily skin of the face and body, CeraVe, without soap, fragrance, sulfates and parabens, eliminates impurities and excess sebum.
Gel + Scrub + Mask “Clean Skin 3-in-1”, Garnier meets various needs: eliminates surface impurities, intensively cleanses, exfoliates the skin. Contains zinc, eucalyptus extract, salicylic acid.
Toning
Cleansing lotion that tightens pores, Normaderm, Vichy is suitable for sensitive skin. Contains salicylic acid, glycerin, thermal water from Vichy springs and will do everything to complete the cleansing process as gently as possible and provide a light peeling effect.
Garnier Clear Skin Anti-Blackhead Cleansing Toner helps prevent the appearance of blackheads, mattifies, and visually reduces pores - all thanks to salicylic acid and zinc in the composition.
Hydration
Daily gel-serum for skin exposed to aggressive external influences, Mineral 89, Vichy helps restore the skin barrier function and moisturizes due to a high concentration of thermal water 89% and hyaluronic acid.
Daily care for sensitive and allergy-prone skin Toleriane Ultra, La Roche-Posay is suitable for those who suffer from atopic dermatitis. Thanks to neurosensin, it soothes the skin and avoids redness and irritation.
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin moisturizes the skin around the clock, and also restores and strengthens the protective barrier.
For oily and problem skin
Corrective care against imperfections 24 hours moisturizing Normaderm, Vichy to combat imperfections includes salicylic and LHA acids, as well as the mattifying component Airlicium.
Corrective cream-gel for problematic skin Effaclar Duo(+), La Roche-Posay promises to reduce imperfections, moisturize and mattify. Light texture plus a probiotic and mannose based formula is proof of this.
Sun protection
Spray veil for face and body Anthelios XL, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay with itamin E, sun filter system and selenium-rich thermal water protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the product has a very practical release form.
Teenagers will appreciate Vichy's lightweight spray-veil, moisturizing, SPF 50, thanks to its weightless texture and formula, which is suitable even for sensitive skin. Water resistant.
Many mothers with daughters aged 12-14 years are concerned about the proper care of teenage skin. Is home care enough or is a visit to the salon necessary? How often should I do this? What skin care products should I use? Is it possible to use decorative cosmetics at this age? Below we will try to answer all your questions.
Ultrasonic cleaning
This type is the most gentle anti-traumatic mechanical method of cleansing the deep layers of the epidermis from sebaceous plugs and impurities.
How the procedure is carried out:
- A special gel or tonic based on mineral water is applied to the treated area of the epidermis,
- Cleansing is carried out under the influence of a wave generator using short ultrawaves - the pores begin to expand and become free of contents.
Advantages of ultrasonic cleaning:
- Gentle exfoliation of the stratum corneum of the epidermis,
- Anti-inflammatory effect,
- Smoothing the skin, reducing the depth of wrinkles and scars, increasing the turgor of the epidermis,
- Toning aging skin,
- reduction in sebum production,
- narrowing of enlarged pores.
Contraindications
Despite the undoubted advantages of ultrasonic cleaning, there are a number of contraindications:
- pregnancy, lactation period,
- carrying out gold reinforcement,
- dermatological diseases - vitiligo, benign formations (moles), papillomas.
How often can you do ultrasonic facial cleansing? Thanks to its gentle action, the procedure can be performed every month, as the epidermis becomes contaminated. The best option is to carry out ultrasonic cleansing quarterly. However, it is better to consult with a cosmetologist who will tell you how often you need to do ultrasonic facial cleansing, how to take care of your skin after the procedure, and help you choose care products.