Washing your face too many times, using hot water or wet towels are common mistakes that cause skin irritation and acne.
Washing your face with hot water is a common mistake. Photo: Pexels
Washing your face is a daily routine for everyone. However, this seemingly easy task can still damage your skin if people do it incorrectly.
To learn more about common face-washing mistakes, Health Shots consulted with cosmetic dermatologist Jaishree Sharad, MD, TEDx speaker, founder of Skinfiniti cosmetic skin and laser clinic in Mumbai, India.
Below are the basic mistakes when washing your face listed by Dr. Sharad.
Washing your face too many times
According to Ms. Sharad, washing your face too many times will significantly reduce the moisture on your skin. In addition, this method also damages the skin's protective barrier, making the skin more sensitive. For those with oily skin, they will even have more acne because of washing their face too many times.
Dr Sharad suggests that people should wash their face once a day, in the morning and at night. If you are outdoors and exposed to a lot of pollutants, you can wash your face a third time to remove all the dirt and sweat.
Use hot water to wash your face
Sharad says hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated and red, so it’s better to use warm or cool water to wash your face.
Use wet wipes
Wet wipes often contain chemicals such as preservatives, fragrances, and surfactants that can irritate the skin. So when you use wet wipes to wash your face, you run the risk of skin irritation.
Wet wipes may provide a temporary feeling of cleanliness, but they still don't completely remove all the dirt, oil, and debris from your skin. If left on for too long, the remaining dirt and oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Use soap and scrub hard
Using soaps or cleansers that are too harsh or too drying for your skin type can cause irritation, dryness, and inflammation, so it is important to choose a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.
Scrubbing too hard with a sponge or washcloth can cause microscopic tears in the skin, leading to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Sharad suggests using a gentle motion with the palms or fingertips to wash your face.
Wash your face with dirty hands
Washing your face with dirty hands or using a dirty towel to wipe your face can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oil to your skin, which can lead to breakouts or infections. So, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face and dry them with a clean towel.
Wash your face roughly
If you don't wash your face thoroughly, dirt or even cleanser residue won't be removed. Over time, it will clog pores, causing skin irritation and acne. Therefore, Ms. Sharad recommends that everyone wash their face thoroughly with water to remove any excess residue left on the skin.
Exfoliating too often
This is often important because it helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, using an exfoliant too often can cause your skin to become irritated and dry.
Dr. Sharad recommends exfoliating no more than once or twice a week. Additionally, people should choose a gentle exfoliant that is appropriate for their skin type.
While washing your face, the skin around your neck and chest is often overlooked. So, Sharad says you should get into the habit of extending your cleansing area to these areas to keep them clean and healthy.
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