If you want to keep your skin looking its best for as long as possible, then it is important to have a skincare routine as well as eating and sleeping properly. You can find examples of many different skincare routines online, but one thing that they all have in common is that thoroughly cleaning your face each day is non-negotiable. A clean face makes any subsequent treatments and protective layers that you apply more effective.
However, there is a Goldilocks zone when it comes to face washing, but many people end up doing too much or too little. This can be harmful in the long run. This article outlines some of the common face washing mistakes that people make and explains how you can avoid them.
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Washing too frequently
Your skin naturally produces some oils which help to nourish and protect it. Provided that your skin is not overproducing them, it is worth trying to protect them by not washing your face too often. After all, this is your body producing exactly what your skin needs, and it is likely to be better than the products you can buy.
Washing your face too often removes these, which typically causes one of two problems. The first is dryness, as you might expect. But some people’s skin responds by increasing oil production to make up for it, so washing too often can cause oily skin too.
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Using harsh cleansers
Different brands of facial cleansers will use different combinations of agents, some of which may not agree with your skin. You will know if they do not because they often lead to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. There are lots of cleansers available and what is gentle for someone else may not be for you. However, you can narrow down your choices by looking for a cleanser advertised as “gentle” which is formulated to target any specific concerns you have, such as excessive oiliness or dryness.
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Not removing makeup first
Makeup is typically too thick to be properly removed by just washing your face. While the top layer might be removed, the deeper layers will still be clogging up your pores. Make sure you remove makeup first, then wash your face.
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Aggressive scrubbing
Like washing too frequently, aggressive scrubbing strips the skin of its natural protective oils. Gently rubbing the skin with your fingertips is the most effective way to wash.
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Not using cleansing oils
Oils form the basis of many of the products which we put on our faces, including sunscreen, makeup, and moisturisers. Yet they do not dissolve in water, and many of the solvents which dissolve them are too harsh to apply to our faces. But they can dissolve in other oils, so using a cleansing oil face wash is a great way to make sure that your pores are fully unclogged when you wash.
Conclusion
When it comes to what cleansers and products are best for your skin, everybody has a different opinion. But we can all agree that avoiding common mistakes when washing your face can help you on your way to radiant and healthy skin.