Introduction
Washing the face seems like a pretty easy task. After all, you probably do it every morning after waking up and at night before you go to sleep. But did you know that if you are not careful and do not pay attention to how you wash your face, you might do way more harm than good?
From using the wrong products to the technique you use for your face wash routine, there are many things you are probably doing wrong. And these mistakes can leave your face looking and feeling dry, dull, and irritated. They can even lead to many skin issues and breakouts.
So, in this article, we will be talking about 10 such mistakes you are probably putting your skin through. If you are tired of dealing with oily skin, dry flaky patches, or pesky breakouts, then keep reading.
The Products You Use
One of the most common mistakes is regarding the product you use. The product you use (or don’t use) directly affects the way your skin looks and feels. So, here are some mistakes you are probably making regarding the products you use.
1. Not Using Any Product At All
The first mistake you probably make is not using any cleanser at all. Maybe you think that staying away from a chemical-loaded face wash or cleanser is better and you just choose to wash with water. However, you need to keep in mind that these products are designed to draw out dirt from your pores and skin. Also, if the water you are using is hard, then it can lead to more skin problems.
2. Not Using the Right Cleanser
Even if you use a cleansing product, you need to make sure you are using the one suited to your skin type. Depending on whether your skin is oily or dry, your products need to change accordingly. While a salicylic acid cleanser is ideal for oily skin, a hydrating cream cleanser is ideal if you have dry skin.
3. Not Using a pH-BalancedFace Wash
Your skin needs acid to enable the good bacteria, or microbiome, to thrive. However, you may be using a face wash or cleanser that is more alkaline than acidic, not giving the good bacteria an environment to thrive. They may dry your skin out and create the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.
4. Using Products Meant for the Body
The skin on the face is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body. So, you should stay away from body soaps, shower gels, or hand washes to wash your face and only use cleansers made specifically for the face. Otherwise, you may be stripping your skin of essential natural oils and gradually removing your skin’s moisture barrier.
The Techniques You Use
Much like the products, the technique you use to wash your face also makes a big difference in how your face feels or looks. Here are some common mistakes regarding the technique you are using to wash your face.
5. Washing your Face Too Much or Not Washing Enough
While not washing your face enough can impair your skin’s natural repair cycle, washing it way too many times can instead lead to the overproduction of oils or irritated skin due to excessive dryness. So, unless you tend to sweat excessively, in which case thrice a day is ideal, washing your face twice a day is enough.
6. Your Combination of Cleaning Products
While you may think your cleanser is the be-all and end-all of your face cleaning needs, it may not be enough, especially if the cleanser is not made to remove makeup. So, you need to first prep your face using a makeup remover, removing as much makeup as possible. Then finish it up with your ideal cleanser.
7. Using Very Hot Water
Many people believe that using hot water is good for the skin. While it is a good strategy to clean your chimney filter, your face is an entirely different story. The higher the temperature of the water, the more you risk the lipids getting dissolved, which is practically your skin’s natural defence system. Instead, it is ideal to use lukewarm water.
8. Scrubbing Your Face Dry
You may be avoiding all the above mistakes and are indeed washing your face as you should. But if you scrub your face roughly with a towel to dry it, then you are practically undoing all that work. When it comes to your face, pat dry it rather than rubbing. Otherwise, you are just inviting premature wrinkles and sagging.
Some Other Miscellaneous Things
Your face care does not only end with the products or the techniques you use. It goes on in the form of everything that touches your face regularly.
9. Not Using a Clean Towel
The first thing you need to ensure is that you use a clean towel after you are done washing your face. A dirty towel is just a large breeding ground for harmful bacteria that cause acne and other skin troubles. So, keep your skin away from dirty towels, or the ones you use for your body, and wash that towel regularly.
10. Not Cleaning Your Phone
Your phone is probably at the top of the list among the many things that touch your face multiple times every day. This makes it crucial that you keep your phone clean, be it the front or the back, to prevent any additional bacterial growth on your face.
Washing your face is a seemingly simple task and is essential for your skin, but only when you do it well. So, if you found yourself saying, “Oh, that’s what I do!” even once during this article, then you may need to make some changes to your routine. So, go ahead, remove all these common mistakes and admire the difference it makes to your skin!
For more advice on how to take care of your skin and the correct way to use your face wash, tira’s in-house experts have a lot of tips to give you. So, get tips on taking care of your skin and get a face wash suited for you, all from tira!
