The Importance of Cleansing
Facial cleansing is an essential part of both the morning and evening skincare routine. Thorough makeup removal helps get rid of debris we have collected throughout the day like makeup residue, excess sebum, and dead skin cells. This prevents clogging of the pores and the formation of blemishes. Although proper cleansing might seem a trivial activity, several mistakes can be made that may negatively affect the condition of the skin.
Remember! Improper facial cleansing (or lack of it) intensifies the formation of stubborn blemishes. No cleansing makes the skin hypoxic, making it easier for acne-causing bacteria and microorganisms to thrive. The skin tone takes on a dull and earthy hue. Irritation and redness appear. The complexion loses its freshness and natural glow.
The 5 most common mistakes of facial cleansing
Cleansing too often
How many times a day do you wash your face? According to dermatologists, we should wash our face twice a day – in the morning and the evening. More frequent washing disturbs the skin’s natural pH and damages its hydrolipid barrier, a shield that protects it from environmental factors. It is acceptable to wash the face 3 times a day in the case of people with very severe seborrhea. In other cases, it is not necessary.
Wrong cleansing products
Lack of makeup removal, overly strong cleansing products, or cleansing the skin only using natural oils may worsen the condition of your skin. When washing the face, try using a product that has to be combined with water before application to the skin. This allows the skin to be thoroughly cleansed of the oily layer left by makeup, impurities, cosmetic residues, and sebum. When removing your makeup using micellar waters and cotton pads, don’t limit yourself to 1-2 cotton pads – this is definitely not enough to get rid of all the impurities.
Improper water temperature
Do you wash your face with hot water? Change it, and your skin will be grateful. Hot water can irritate the skin, dilate capillaries, and cause redness. The water should be lukewarm. If you use water that is too cold, it’s just as damaging as too hot. It leads to broken capillaries, dryness, increased sebum production, and even sinus infection.
Exfoliating too often
Did you know that you should only exfoliate your skin a maximum of twice a month? If you scrub your face more often, you don’t give it time to regenerate and create micro-damage on its surface. As a result, the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier gets damaged and can’t effectively defend itself against external factors. Avoid coarse exfoliant scrubs. Opt for fine-grained or enzymatic exfoliators.
Rubbing the skin with a towel
It’s obvious that after cleansing we must dry the face. We usually reach for a towel. Make sure it is fresh and intended only for the face. Do not rub the skin with it too hard, but gently press it until the face is dry. By rubbing your face insistently with the towel, you can cause irritation, redness, and a burning sensation.