Common Face Washing Mistakes

Washing your face might seem like the most uncomplicated part of your skincare routine; but you'll be surprised to learn the common face washing mistakes that can stop you from getting the smooth skin you desire.

If you can avoid these common cleansing blunders, you are well on your way to having better and clearer skin. Check them out:

1. PICK THE RIGHT CLEANSER
Considering this is the make or break moment for the rest of your routine, you want to get it right. If you have combination or oily skin, you should be using a gel based formula. Get one that lightly foams if your skin is very oily.

If you have dry skin, go for a moisturising cream or mousse to soften and hydrate your skin, while retaining the natural hydro-lipid barrier as you wash.

2. TAKE SOME TIME
Don't simply splash water on your face, quickly foam up and then rinse it off. Different cleansers require different methods.

Gels and foams go onto wet skin and should be left to sit on the surface of your skin for a minute to allow the ingredients to work. But, if you're using a creamy lotion, apply it to completely dry skin and rub it in for a few minutes like you would with a moisturiser. This gives the cleanser a chance to break down the oil and dirt in your skin before applying a small amount of water with your fingertips to emulsify the product.

3. TURN DOWN THE HEAT

Washing your face with hot water feels nice, but it can also mess with your skin's natural oils leading to over-drying and subsequent excessive sebum production. Wash with lukewarm water instead.

4. OVER-EXFOLIATING
Exfoliating can do wonders for the skin -- sloughing off the dead cells that build up over time allows products to penetrate, but rough scrubs and too-frequent exfoliation can also cause unnecessary irritation. "If a scrub contains particles with jagged edges, it can create microscopic tears, and put you at risk for infection," notes Dr. Jeanine Downie, a New York City-based dermatologist. Scrub up no more than two times a week to keep skin refreshed.

5. OVERDOING IT
For the most part, washing once or twice a day is good protocol but any more can irritate skin, ironically leading to an overproduction of oil. If you didn’t wear makeup, slather on sunscreen, or sweat much that day, skip the cleanser at night and try rinsing with warm water. Giving your skin a break from the cycle of products is healthy from time to time.

6. WAITING TO MOISTURIZE
To maximize absorption and help seal in moisture, apply moisturizers immediately after cleansing while skin is still damp. The same goes for serums and special treatment products. Waiting until your skin is completely dry will make it harder for the active ingredients to sink into your skin and can cause skin to feel greasy or tacky.

7. TOWEL RUBBING

Pat, don’t rub. Rubbing can feel really good, but it tugs and pulls your skin, which puts your elastin at risk. And don’t just grab the nearest hand towel, used or not. Friends don’t let friends spread bacteria—especially all over a nice, clean face. Designate a clean, soft towel to blot your fresh face.

8. NOT RINSING WELL ENOUGH
Skimping on rinsing leads to residue build-up, which can clog pores and dry out skin. Rinse thoroughly, even when you’re rushing in the morning or dog-tired at night. The jawline, hairline, and nose are the most commonly neglected spots, so show them some love! Don't forget to rinse after using a face wipe too.

9. WASHING WITH DIRTY HANDS

Even if you don't have any open wounds or visible breakouts, you need to make sure your hands are clean if you're touching your face, or you risk introducing bacteria to the skin.

10. SPENDING A FORTUNE
Shelling out a small fortune for face wash may not be the most prudent purchase. Look for one with simple, natural ingredients and save your dough for products that will actually stay on your skin and offer longer-term benefits, like serums and moisturizers.

I bet you learnt a thing or two like me..stay healthy and beautiful! X

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