8 Tips for Cleaning Your Face

The easiest part of your beauty regimen is washing your face, right?  Well as it turns out there are actually some common washing habits that can cause many different skin problems, including breakouts, oiliness, irritation and dryness.  Keep reading to discover the 8 top face washing mistakes and how to overcome them to alleviate those annoying skin issues.

Choosing the Wrong Product

When you use the right cleanser it should totally remove all of the grime, makeup and dirt, but not strip away all of your skin’s healthy cells or natural oils.  Find the best one to do the job that isn’t too harsh (makes your skin irritated and red or tight after you dry it) or too gentle (where you have to scrub hard or wash your face twice in order to thoroughly clean it).  If you’re looking for the best product, or unsure the one you have is good, see what users think about Proactiv and see how your product compares.

Going Overboard

Overall it is a good protocol to wash one or two times per day, but your skin can get irritated if you do it more than that, and that can result in too much oil being produced.  If you don’t sweat a lot, or didn’t wear sunscreen or makeup that day, you can skip using cleanser at night and just rinse your face off using lukewarm water.  It is healthy to give your skin a break from all of your usual products every once in a while.

Using the Wrong Temperature of Water

There is a myth that cold water closes pores and hot water opens them.  The truth of the matter is that the pores of your skin don’t have muscles for opening and closing pores.  Although hot water might feel good against your skin, it can screw up your skin’s protective, natural oils and result in too much sebum being produced or over-drying of your skin.  It is best to use lukewarm water to cleanse effectively yet gently. Click here for info.

Over Exfoliating

Exfoliation is a very healthy thing to do in order to slough off your dead skin cells.  However, the key with this practice is moderation.  Avoid using grainy exfoliants (fruit acids and sugar scrubs are gentler choices) and stick with exfoliating no more than two or three times a week.  Use your fingers rather than a washcloth when you are exfoliating in order to prevent your skin from being tugged and pulled.

Not Rinsing Thoroughly Enough

When you skimp on rinsing, it can result in residue building up, which may dry out your skin and clog up your pores.  Always thorough rinse, even if you are really tired at the end of the day or in a big rush in the morning.  The spots that tend to be commonly included are the nose, hairline and jawline, so pay attention to these areas.

Using Irritating Ingredients

Give your face a break and avoid using irritating ingredients like synthetic preservatives (e.g. parabens), colorants or fragrances.  Another one to avoid is sodium lauryl sulphate – it is used quite commonly as a surfactant for washing debris away, but can also be a common cause of allergic reactions and irritation.  Make sure to always read the ingredient labels on your products carefully.  

Rubbing Your Face with A Towel

Pat your face dry instead of rubbing.  Rubbing might feel great, but it pulls and tugs at your skin, which can damage the elastin.  Also, don’t just use the closest hand towel.  You don’t want to spread bacteria from one person to the next – especially onto a clean face.  Use a soft, clean towel for patting your clean face dry.

Being Afraid of Oils

For the longest time, oils were thought to be the pore-clogging enemy of skin.  However, this belief is changing.  Now experts are saying that all types of skin can benefit from cleaning with oil, including blemish-prone and oily skin.  After all, oil dissolves oil.  Using the appropriate oil will cleanse your pores of bacteria and dirt, and also help to balance and heal your skin.  Search for cleansing oil products that have plant-based, natural oils.  You can also try out a high-quality sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil or almond oil from your local grocery store.  (Some people might be able to use olive oil or coconut oil, but for other people is has caused problems).  Massage the oil onto your face and then wipe it off with a soft washcloth with warm water on it.  Make sure that your thoroughly wipe the oil away in order to keep your pores clear and prevent any residual build up.

So there you have it! Our quick 8 tips to cleansing your face that will protect your skin and keep it healthy and glowing! Have an extra tip to share with us? Leave it in the comments below!