What can be
complicated in washing ones' face part of beauty regimen? I say, a lot! Some
common washing and lathering habits that we have been repeating since a long
time can cause some very annoying skin woes such as irritation, breakouts,
oiliness and dryness. Here is a list of some of the biggest face-washing
mistakes we are committing every day and how to overcome them.
The first
and foremost mistake that we can do to our face-washing regimen is to pick up
the wrong product. What can be more wrong than picking up a creamy greasy
cleanser if you have an acne-prone skin? The right cleanser should remove the
dirt, dust and grime only, without stripping the face of its natural oils.
Thus, you need to find a cleanser that is made for your skin type and does the
job.
Washing your
face twice a day to the max is a good protocol. You do it more and the skin is
bound to get dry and itchy. Washing your face multiple times will strip the
skin of all the natural oils and healthy cells. This will irritate the skin and
make it overproduce oil. Giving your face a break from products is a good idea
from time to time. If you have not applied makeup or have not sweated much,
just wash your face with tepid water.
Another
biggest face-washing mistake that we commit is to use the wrong temperature of
water. It is a myth that hot water opens the pores and cold water closes them.
Pores do not have muscles to open or close. Instead of using hot water on your
delicate facial skin, always use lukewarm or cold water to wash your face. This
will save you from stripping your skin of natural protective oils and over
production of sebum or over-drying.
Exfoliation
is a healthy process that removes the accumulated dead skin cells. However, it
should be done in moderation. Grainy exfoliators sometimes scratch the delicate
skin on the face, which leads to pulling and tugging of the skin. Keep it to
max twice a week to exfoliate your facial skin with mild exfoliating agents
such as fruit acids or sugar scrubs. Use your fingers instead of the whole palm
to make the action gentler.
Always
remember to rinse out the product completely, be it your cleanser, scrub or any
product that you are using. Not washing properly will lead to residue build-up,
which in turn will clog the pores and dry out the skin. Show some love to the
neglected jawline, nose and hairline.
Many
cleansers contain irritating ingredients such as colorants, fragrances, alcohol
and synthetic preservatives such as parabens. Do a favour to your skin and
choose a cleanser devoid of all these. Always read labels carefully and select
a gentle formulation to avoid any allergic reaction and irritation.
One common
mistake almost everyone does after face washing is to rub your skin hard with
the towel, in the hope that all the dirt and grease will come off. Rubbing can
feel good but it actually pulls and tugs your skin. Keep a clean soft face
towel aside for yourself and at dry your face the next time.
These are
some of the common yet most biggest mistakes of face-washing, which, if avoided
can save you a lot of skin woes.
