Ever washed your face and found this on the towel after you dried it?
I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. And while I will confess that this could have been my towel in my teens, I can’t claim it now. I am sharing this photo with the owner’s permission, on the condition of anonymity.
Cleansing is one of the most basic and yet important steps in any skincare routine. It removes make-up, pollution, sunscreen and surface dirt that can cause your skin to look less than its best. Breakouts, dullness and skin misbehaviour may be the result of insufficient cleansing.
Performed correctly, cleansing leaves the face completely free of impurities. The only thing that should be found on the towel when you’re finished is water.
To achieve this goal, though, this skincare step requires some attention. You need water and an appropriate cleanser. Your hair should be pushed back from your face so you can easily access your whole face and your sleeves rolled up to avoid getting wet.
I also highly recommend a cleansing cloth, rather than just using your hands to remove cleanser. This not only helps to ramp up the efficacy of your cleanser, but helps you know when your face is clean before you reach for your towel. If your cloth comes away with remnants of the day still on it, you know you’re not quite finished with your task.
I love a good cleansing oil or balm and here again, I advocate their use particularly if you have ever suffered from dirty towel syndrome. An oil-based cleanser is key to destroying make-up, even stubborn mascara and lipstick. And it’s appropriate for all skin types, even those with oily skin.
In addition to efficiency, cleansing oil is so soothing when it’s applied to the skin and you being massaging it in. Add to this the joy of emulsifying the cleanser when you add water to change the texture and appearance of it. The end result: satisfaction and truly clean skin.
Washing my face helps my mind transition from a busy day to a calm night at home as my body winds down for the day. This is why I advocate that you clean your face as soon as you get home. When you do it at this time, you avoid rushing through your pre-bed cleanse, when you’re dead tired and simply want to crawl between the sheets.
So if you want to keep your towels looking fresh, reconsider your cleansing routine.
BTW, when I saw this towel, I had a chat with its owner about cleansing, reviewing proper technique and tools. I checked in as I was writing this post and she tells me things are much improved!
If you want to talk about your routine, please just let me know.