This Is How You Should *Really* Be Washing Your Face

We debunk 8 common misconceptions about getting your face squeaky clean.

Most of us assume that cleansing is a task so basic it can be accomplished even when you're completely exhausted or slightly tipsy—which, of course, it can. But it turns out that there's a lot more to it than soap and water, says Dr. Doris Day, NYC dermatologist and author of Forget the Facelift. "With so many sophisticated, gentle cleansers that won't strip the skin, using the right one allows moisturizing and antiaging products to absorb more effectively." Clearly, an old-school splash and scrub won't do. Here, the new rules for getting your freshest face.

Myth 1: Wash and Go

It's more of a two-step process. "Remove your makeup before you wash your face," says Montclair, New Jersey, derm Dr. Jeanine Downie. "Many cleansers can't take off concealer or foundation completely, especially around the eyes and nose." Use an oil-based cream, an emollient wipe, or a cleansing oil to dissolve stubborn sunscreen and makeup. Follow with lukewarm water and a dime-size amount of cleanser (look for the ingredients cocamidopropyl betaine or caprylic triglyceride, which are sulfate-free surfactants) on your fingers or a clean, damp washcloth.

Myth 2: Wash Twice a Day

While the jury is still out on how often to cleanse (every a.m. and p.m. or just once at night), all derms agree that over-washing can lead to irritation and a lack of moisture. The rule is to use common sense: Always wash your face after a workout to prevent breakouts, and wash excessively oily skin morning and night. For very dry or sensitive skin, stick to cleansing once daily in the evening.

Myth 3: Close Your Pores

Sorry, folks, but you can skip rituals like massaging your face to increase circulation or splashing with cold water to "close" your pores. "Pores don't open and close," says Downie. In fact, extreme hot or cold can exacerbate problems like rosacea and redness. That said, mild steam can help soften hardened oil in pores, so it's never a bad idea to cleanse in the shower. And "while it feels nice, massage doesn't do much," adds Downie. "Exercise is what boosts your circulation."

Myth 4: Buy Cleanser According to Skin Type

No matter what kind of skin you have, make sure the ingredients list doesn't contain fragrance, which can be irritating; parabens (potentially toxic preservatives); or harsh soap (it's drying). "If a cleanser fits that bill, the formula itself [cream, lotion, foaming, etc.] is more a matter of personal preference," says NYC dermatologist Dr. Brad Katchen. Of course, people with dry skin may prefer formulas with added moisturizers, like glycerin or shea butter. And "if you have oily skin, you might want a foaming wash that leaves skin feeling superclean," says Day.

Myth 5: Scrub to Exfoliate and Smooth

A salicylic- or glycolic-acid cleanser is gentler and more effective than grainy scrubs, and both offer anti-aging benefits and help prevent breakouts. Alternate with your regular wash (start with three times a week), and adjust depending on how your skin is looking and feeling.

Myth 6: Use Toner

"An alcohol-based toner strips off natural oils," explains Day. Not good. "Gentle toners calm the skin and balance pH levels, but with the right cleanser, you don't really need this step." Love the feeling anyway? Choose gentle, alcohol-free versions.

Myth 7: Brush Your Skin to a Healthy Glow

"A brush removes oil, dirt, and dead skin better than your hands can, and it's less aggressive than most exfoliating cleansers or scrubs," says Day. "But it's not something you have to use every night, especially if you're also applying ingredients like retinoids or acids. Too much exfoliation can cause inflammation." Basically: Use, but use sparingly. (Right now we're obsessed with Clarisonic's new acne-cleansing brush head, below.) To keep your brush bacteria-free, rinse and air-dry after use. Oh, and hey, clean freak, like you do with your Brita, replace the brush head every three months.

Myth 8: Spend a Fortune

Save your pricier ingredients, like retinol or antioxidants, for leave-on products instead of washing them down the drain. "They're most effective when they stay concentrated on the skin," says Katchen.

5 Best Natural Ingredients for Healthy Hair, Gorgeous Skin & Strong Nails

Many of us follow a strict beauty regimen to keep our skin, hair and nails in good health. In fact, people all over the world spend millions of dollars to enjoy beautiful skin, superb hair and strong nails.

When it comes to beauty, importance should be given to natural ingredients rather than commercial beauty products. Chemicals and toxins in commercial products can do a lot of harm in the long run.

There are many natural ingredients in your kitchen that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Here are the top 5 natural ingredients for healthy hair, gorgeous skin and strong nails.

1. Olive Oil

When it comes to the best beauty products from your kitchen, you simply cannot ignore olive oil.

Being a powerful emollient, it adds body, shine, softness and resilience to your hair. It easily penetrates all the way down to the hair shafts to help retain moisture.

Apart from being one of the best oils for hair, it is also good for your skin and nails. The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help protect the skin against photo aging from prolonged sun or other ultraviolet (UV) exposure, according to a 2012 study published in PLOS ONE.

Olive oil is also good for weak and brittle nails. The moisturizing property of this oil helps repair damage and softens nails and cuticles.

To enhance your overall health, include 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in your regular daily diet. Also, you can use it in your beauty regimen specifically for your hair, skin and nails.

Hair: Massage your scalp with warm olive oil for a few minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap and allow the oil to soak in for 30 to 45 minutes. Finally, shampoo your hair as usual. Use this hair care treatment twice a week to enjoy healthy and beautiful hair.
Skin: Massage your body with some warm olive oil. Wait 30 minutes, then take a shower. Gently pat dry your skin and apply a light moisturizer. Use this remedy daily to enjoy flawless skin.
Nails: Massage your nails thoroughly with some warm olive oil. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Do this 2 or 3 times daily.

2. Avocado

Whether it is the fruit, seed or its oil, avocado should be a part of your beauty care regimen. From dry skin to scars and hangnails to damaged hair, avocado has many beauty uses.

Eating half an avocado daily helps protect your skin. A 2012 study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal reports that regular intake of avocado bolsters cells’ power centers against harmful free radicals.

It is also one of Mother Nature’s best moisturizers. Being a humectant, it keeps both skin and hair well moisturized. The high amount of healthy fat, vitamin E and protein in avocado helps protect the skin from damage, keep your hair healthy and prevent hangnails.

Here are some ways to use avocado to enhance the beauty of your hair, skin and nails.

Hair: Make a hair mask with 1 mashed ripe avocado and 1 tablespoon each of jojoba oil/olive oil and yogurt. Apply the mask on your damp hair. Put a shower cap on for 1 hour, then rinse the mask out with lukewarm water. Use this hair mask once a week. You can also massage avocado oil into your scalp once or twice a week.
Skin: To promote healthy and soft skin, rub the pulp of ripe avocado against your skin 30 minutes before taking a shower. Repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times a week.
Nails: Prepare a paste with 1 tablespoon of avocado pulp and a little coconut oil. Apply it on your nails for a couple of hours. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Do this once in a while to keep your nails healthy and prevent hangnails.

3. Green Tea

Green tea has many beauty benefits. The high-quality antioxidants in this tea prevent harmful free-radical damage that contributes to skin aging. It protects the skin against UV damage and reduces signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots and saggy skin.
A 2003 study by the Medical College of Georgia notes that green tea aids skin rejuvenation. It can be used to treat skin diseases and wounds.
When it comes to hair, the catechins in green tea contain 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting properties that help block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), one of the key causes of hair loss. A 2005 study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association reports that the polyphenols in green tea prevented hair loss in rodents.
Green tea is even good for strong and healthy nails. It also prevents yellowing of nails.
Simply drinking green tea 2 or 3 times a day will help to enjoy beautiful hair, skin and nails. Also, use the following beauty remedies.
Hair: Brew 3 to 4 cups of green tea, depending upon the length of your hair. Allow the tea to cool. Pour the tea on your damp hair and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a week to nourish your hair and boost hair growth.
Skin: Empty the contents of 1 or 2 used green tea bags into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a little lemon juice to it and mix thoroughly. Apply it on your clean face and neck, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off. Do this once or twice a week.
Nails: Brew a cup of green tea, add a few drops of wheat germ oil and allow it to cool. Soak your nails in it for 10 to 15 minutes, twice a week.

4. Lemons

Lemons are a nutritional powerhouse that are excellent for your hair, skin and nails. The fruit’s juice as well as its oil and peel can be used for beauty purposes.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that combats free-radical damage that can lead to aging. It even boosts collagen production, which restores skin elasticity to help maintain a smooth and youthful appearance.
A 2013 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal reports that vitamin C is helpful in treating photo aging, hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation and promotion of tissue healing.
When it comes to hair, lemon is effective at treating dandruff and scalp itchiness. It helps balance the pH level of your scalp to prevent scalp infection and support hair growth.
Lemon also supports nail growth and prevents yellowing of nails.
Starting your day with a glass of lemon water can help your skin and hair look beautiful from within. These natural beauty remedies will ensure that you feel gorgeous on every front.
Hair: Add the juice of 2 lemons to 1 cup of water. After shampooing, rinse your hair with this solution. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse your hair with plain water. Use this remedy once or twice a week.
Skin: Put some honey on a piece of lemon and use it to gently rub your face, neck, hands and legs. Allow the juice to remain on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes, then take a shower. Do this once or twice a week.
Nails: Prepare a nail soak with equal amounts of lemon juice and castor oil or argan oil. Soak your nails in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this remedy a few times a week.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains many nutritional properties that support the health of your hair, skin as well as nails.

The moisturizing property of coconut oil helps seal in your skin’s moisture, which is important for soft and smooth skin. It is even effective at protecting the skin from sun damage. Its fatty acid content helps reduce inflammation and revitalize the skin.

A 2004 study published in Dermatitis reports that coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer. It shows significant improvement in skin hydration and increase in skin surface lipid levels.

Being rich in medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil easily penetrates deep into hair shafts, which in turn supports hair growth.

A 1999 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science reports the positive effect of coconut oil on prevention of hair damage in grooming processes when it is used as a prewash conditioner. It also has a protective effect on chemically treated hair and hair treated with boiling water. The hydrophobicity of coconut oil seems to be responsible for this effect.

Coconut oil also helps keep your nails moisturized and strong. It even strengthens your cuticles, which is important for nail growth.

For overall good health, consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil daily. For targeting hair, skin and nail health, try the following home remedies.

Hair: Massage your scalp with warm coconut oil before going to bed. The next day, shampoo your hair as usual. Do this 2 or 3 times a week.
Skin: Apply lukewarm coconut oil all over your body. Wait about 30 minutes, then take a shower. Finally, apply a light moisturizer. Do this daily to soothe dry skin. To combat extremely dry skin, you can also apply a layer of coconut oil on your skin immediately after taking a bath or shower.
Nails: Massage your nails and hands with warm extra-virgin coconut oil for 5 to 10 minutes daily, at night before going to bed.