If you’ve had a busy day and just want to fall into bed, washing your face may seem like a lot of extra work. We understand that it isn’t always a priority, but not washing your face can lead to all sorts of nastiness, especially during cold and flu season. No matter how tired you are at day’s end, these four reasons will have you making time to take care of your face.
Get Germ-Free Before Bed
Cleansing isn’t just about removing grime; it’s key to keeping bacteria from proliferating and making you sick. You wouldn’t sit down to a meal without washing your hands (we hope), so why would you go to bed with an army of bacteria lingering on your skin? When it comes to getting sick, germs are often transferred from the hands to the face, particularly to the eyes, nose, and mouth. You may not realize it, but you touch those areas frequently throughout the day. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene revealed that, on average, people touch these areas more than 15 times per hour. Taking those germs to bed every night means risking infection and racking up sick days. A five-minute cleansing regimen doesn’t sound so lengthy now, does it?
Cleansing Helps Control Oil
On most days, getting clean and out the door needs to happen at lightning speed, but using the same cleanser on your face as your body may be throwing your skin’s balance out of whack. Antibacterial soap may work wonders on your body but using it on your face can strip away your natural oil and send your body’s sebum production into overdrive. Combine added sebum with facial hair and you have a recipe for clogged pores and acne. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution. Choose a properly formulated medical grade cleanser and use it every day.
Pollution Damages Skin Cells
Given the chance, we doubt you’d spend your lunch hour strolling near a congested highway. You wouldn’t opt to sit near an idling big rig belching out noxious gas fumes either. Air pollution does damage that you can’t even see but wipe your skin with a damp white cloth after spending time in a polluted area, and you’ll witness the proof of its existence. You already know what it does to your lungs, but pollution damages skin cells by way of free radicals. And by leaving your face unwashed, you essentially give toxins permission to do their worst to your skin. Cleansing daily will keep your skin healthier and adding a moisturizer rich in antioxidants can even combat those free radicals in between washing sessions.
Clean Skin Looks Younger
Yes, we are directly appealing to your vanity now, but it’s for your own good. Clean skin looks and feels healthy, and unless you want to age faster than necessary, you need to start taking care of your face. There’s absolutely no beneficial reason for ignoring your appearance. After all, good grooming is another way to show that you’re invested in your own longevity, and there’s nothing vain about that. Choose a cleanser that fits your skin type, and you’ll see what a difference it makes. And if you’re struggling to find the right one, just let us know. We’re happy to help you pick the perfect product for your skin’s needs. P.S. Most cleansers will last you six months or more, and some of them are especially good for soothing skin after shaving.
To happy, healthy skin,
Team Reflect
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