It seems pretty simple, right? You get a little soap, run water, suds up your face, rinse, and have a clean face. While washing your face is relatively simple, you probably do it all wrong. And while the right way to wash your face isn’t complicated, most people don’t know the best way to do it.
So, before you wash your face again, check out a few things you might be doing wrong and ensure you follow this process to wash your face correctly.
The most common face-washing mistakes
It seems like washing your face should be the least complicated step of your beauty routine. However, many of the most common cleansing habits cause or at least contribute to a whole host of skin woes, such as dryness, redness, irritation, oiliness, and even acne. Avoid these common face-washing mistakes, and you’ll see better skin quickly.
Using the wrong product
Cleansers require a delicate balance. If they are too harsh, the cleanser will irritate the skin, but the rinse will not remove dirt and makeup if they are too gentle.
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Washing too much
In most cases, your face should be washed no more than twice a day. Washing more than this may irritate the skin, leading to oil overproduction and other issues.
Over-exfoliating
Exfoliation is good for the skin, but moderation is the name of the game here. Only exfoliate twice or thrice a week, and use your fingers instead of a washcloth to be gentler on your skin.
Skimpy rinsing
Another common issue is not rinsing your skin well enough. Skimping on rinsing causes build-up on your skin, contributing to clogged pores and dry skin patches. When rinsing, focus on your jawline, hairline, and nose, as these spots are often forgotten.
Rubbing the skin dry
While rubbing your skin may feel good, it pulls at the skin and can cause damage. Instead of rubbing, pat your face dry.
The right way to wash
Washing your face should be a gentle process that involves no scrubbing. To wash most effectively that you know what not to do, take a few minutes to focus on the right way to wash to really ‘flesh’ out your skincare regimen. Washing your face should be a gentle process that involves no scrubbing. To wash most effectively:
- Select a gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol or any abrasive ingredients. Resist the temptation to select the cleanser with all the marketing claims and look for one that is gentle, pH-balanced, and fragrance-free. The brand of your cleanser is much less important than the fact that the product is mild and non-abrasive.
- Once you’ve selected the cleanser, wet your face with lukewarm water (hot water is too drying). Then, gently massage the cleanser into your skin using only your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, as this can also irritate.
- After massaging the entire face with the cleanser, rinse your skin with lukewarm water. Splash the warm water onto your face and gently remove any excess cleanser.
- Finally, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid using your facial towel for any other purpose, as doing so can spread bacteria and further breakouts. Hang the towel in a dry place and ensure it is not exposed to any excess moisture.
- Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft and supple. Be cautious when applying any cream around your eyes, as the skin beneath the eyes is very delicate.
More information: AAD.org
So, there you have it
As simple as washing your face is, it is essential that you do it the right way and avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of face washing. Use these simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to fresher, smoother skin in no time.