Common Cleansing Mistakes and The Right Method

In my first post I spoke about basic dry skin care tips where I mentioned that I'll speak about cleansing mistakes and the correct method and so, here I am.

So here it comes, the first basic thing one must follow every day; you all know it well. It’s cleansing. Keeping skin clean is very important. So do you know how to cleanse? How often should you do that? What kind of cleanser is suitable for you? What is the method you follow? For that, first of all you should be aware of what type of skin you have. Check if your skin is dry, combination or oily.

So irrespective of the skin type, let us first see the most common mistakes people tend to do while cleansing.

1. Using Soap For Face

Most people still think that using soap for face is enough. Won’t it clean your face? Soap is made for body skin and not for facial skin. Your facial skin is 10 times thinner and sensitive than your body skin. So now think if soap does its work for body skin, then how can it be good for facial skin? So you should choose a good cleanser depending on your skin.

2. Choosing The Wrong Cleanser

Most people choose a face wash which foams well and makes your skin little dry which means it’s clean to them. It may be but it’s drying your skin also. It even doesn’t mean that a mild face wash doesn’t clean properly. So choose wisely. Those with dry skin should use creamy and hydrating cleansing lotions while those with oily or combination skin can use foaming or gel cleansers. In order to avoid over stripping choose a formula devoid of sulfate. It’s ok for your face wash to foam slightly but not like a shampoo; this could be harsh on your skin.

3. Washing In The Wrong Way

For many washing face is just splashing face with water, taking a dollop of face wash, apply and massage slightly and wash. This won’t work since you are not letting your face wash to work on your skin properly. After applying to your skin, massage gently for few minutes. This way you are allowing the oils in your cleanser to breakdown the oils and makeup on your skin. Let this product sit on your skin for a minute so that it can kill the bacteria on your skin as well and then rinse; make sure to remove the product completely off your face. This is very important.

4. Washing With Dirty Hands

Wash your hands first and then wash your face. Do not put your hands on your face directly. Also your face wash first cleans your hands and then goes to your face, isn’t it? So think that you are wasting your face wash.

5. Not Cleansing In The Morning

It is important to cleanse your skin in the morning to remove that excess oil you built up last night and the residue of the products you applied before bed. This way you are allowing your skin to absorb the products you apply in the morning to work well.

6. Using A Common Towel For Both Face And Body

Many use a common towel for the entire family which is not at all hygienic. Each person should have a separate towel. In fact you should have a separate towel or a napkin for your face. Don’t use the same towel for your body and face. You should use a fresh and clean napkin every time you dry your face since damp cloth carries bacteria.

7. Rubbing Face With Towel

Make sure your towel is soft but not rough on your face. Many rub the towel to dry face which is totally bad for your skin. Do not do that since it may later lead to post-inflammation pigmentation. Instead pat dry with a soft towel.

8. Cleansing Irregularly

Many cleanse their face when they remember and very irregularly. You should cleanse regularly. If you are using a face wash, make a habit to wash your face as soon as you wake up and before going to sleep. It is very important to clean your skin before bed else the oil and dirt will clog the pores and you’ll get bumps. If you are using cleansing milk, then cleanse before applying anything on your face and remove the makeup with it before going to sleep.

9. Cleansing More Than Thrice

Don’t wash your face so often. It isn't that good for you. Cleansing with cleansing milk once a day is enough. Also you can use face wash twice a day.

10. Not Rinsing Thoroughly

Even when you are in hurry you should rinse that cleanser completely without leaving its residue since this may result in clogged pores and break you out later. Splash some water; gently massage face to dissolve the product in water and splash water again. Do it once more to ensure you removed it completely. Check if you have removed it from the hairline, jawline and nose which are the most neglected areas.

11. Using Tissues Or Napkins

You may find it easy to use tissues to remove excess oil but think it’s actually not cleaning your face but smears your makeup, dirt and oil across your facial skin. This is just equal to applying your cleanser and not washing it.

12. Using Hot Or Cold Water For Face

Wash your face with lukewarm water. Cold or hot water will only irritate or harm your skin. Hot water dilates the capillaries in your blood vessels; this makes you look red and flushed. Avoid it especially if you have acne or rosacea.

13. Not Moisturizing After Cleansing

Don’t forget to moisturize your face after cleansing when it’s still damp to lock the moisture well. Don’t leave the face after cleansing else it’ll become dry and attracts dirt easily.

14. Not Exfoliating And Over Exfoliating

Yes, both are skin sins. It takes about two weeks for the new cells to reach the upper layer from the base; and then it takes 2 or more weeks to start accumulating on your skin and making you look dull. So, make sure you exfoliate your skin dead cells at least once a week. Since most of the chemical exfoliants and scrubs are based in cleanser, you don’t need to use this as an extra step. Just swap it with your regular cleanser.

15. Oils For Face

It was believed that oils can clog your pores since many years but now experts believe that oils can actually benefit your skin if used properly. Even oily skinned people can use it to get blemish free and acne free skin. Look for products with plant based oils or just try almond oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, etc. Though coconut oil and olive oil also work well but not for all; few suffer from breakouts. All you need to do is massage this oil gently, leave it for a minute and wipe it with a soft wash cloth dunked in lukewarm water. 

Remove it residue completely to avoid any problems.

So, now that you know the most common skin cleansing mistakes committed by us, make sure you never repeat them again.