If you think that washing your face is the easiest part of your beauty routine think again! Research has proven that dryness, irritation, oiliness and breakouts are often caused by lathering mistakes. Continue reading to learn about these common mistakes and how to fix them to prevent future skin concerns.
1. Choosing the Wrong Product
Your facial cleanser should only remove the daily buildup of dirt and makeup from your face, not strip away your skin's natural oils. Look for a gentle cleanser that provides a thorough cleanse without the need for excess scrubbing that can cause redness, irritation and drying.
2. Overdoing It
Generally speaking, washing your face once or twice daily is recommended. Washing more than that can irritate your delicate facial skin, leading to dryness and overproduction of oil. If you didn't wear makeup, sunscreen or hit the gym, try skipping your nighttime wash and rinse with warm water instead. Giving your skin a product break is actually healthy on occasion!
3. Washing with the Wrong Water Temperature
While steaming hot water may feel good on your skin it can severely irritate it, causing dryness and excess oil production. Lukewarm water is the best temperature to cleanse your skin gently and effectively.
4. Too Much Exfoliation
Although exfoliation is healthy to slough off dead skin cells keep in mind that moderation is key. Try to exfoliate only two or three times per week, with your fingers rather than a washcloth, being careful to not pull or tug at your skin.
5. Skimping on Rinsing
Not rinsing well enough can cause remaining reside to accumulate, which in turn can clog your pores and dry your skin out. Always remember to rinse thoroughly, especially around the jawline, hairline and nose!
6. Using Products with Irritating Ingredients
Save your face from harsh ingredients such as fragrances, colorants, and parabens (synthetic preservatives). Also, try to avoid using products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a common surfactant that washes away debris but can also cause severe irritation and even an allergic reaction. Read all your product's ingredient labels before use!
7. Towel Drying
Always pat your face dry, never rub! While rubbing your face with a towel may feel good, over time it can cause wrinkles because it is tugging and pulling at your skin. Also, choose your facial towel carefully, don't use the nearest hand or bath towel, pick a clean, soft, dry towel to blot your skin dry.
8. Waiting Too Long to Moisturize
In order to seal in maximum moisture always apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp. This is true for serums and treatments as well. If you wait too long and apply these products to dry skin the active ingredients won't be able to properly penetrate your pores, leaving your skin feeling greasy.
9. Spending a Fortune
While expensive products may seem to be a smart purchase often times they are not. When purchasing a cleanser choose one with simple, natural ingredients and save your money for products like serums and moisturizers that are worth the extra cost since they offer the best long-term benefits.
10. Fearing Oil
If you still believe that oils cause your pores to become clogged, think again! Experts say that all skin types can benefit from cleansing with oil, even oily and acne-prone skin. Case in point, oil dissolves oil. Choosing a product with the right oils will cleanse your skin of dirt, bacteria and makeup while healing and balancing your skin's natural oils. Look for products with plant-based oils that you can massage into your skin and easily wipe away the remaining residue with a soft, warm, wet washcloth. Just make sure to gently wipe away all the oil to keep your pores clear.
Interested in learning more?
Stop into any of our 4 locations to ask a skin care specialist about our Dermalogica skin care products and be on your way to a healthier beauty routine in no time!
