8 Common Face Washing Mistakes You Could Be Making

Washing your face is a basic, simple yet vital skincare step. Well, did you know that you could be doing it wrong? If your skin looks dull rather than dewy and refreshed, you’re probably not doing it right and maybe it’s time to take a closer look at your face washing routine. As it turns out, seemingly harmless face wash habits can lead to really bad skin problems – from dry, dehydrated skin to even breakouts. So, let’s review if you’re making some common mistakes and look at how to fix them.

1) Using the wrong face wash

This one is kind of obvious, but many of us still make this basic mistake. Using the right cleanser can make a world of a difference! A general rule of thumb is that your cleanser should leave your skin clean, oil-free without making it dry and stretchy. If you have oily skin, stick to a cream or gel cleanser. If your skin is dry and dehydrated, go for a nourishing cleansing balm which will rid your skin of impurities yet leave it soft and supple.

2) Using hot water

It may be tempting to use hot water to get all the grime and dirt off your face but it actually does more harm than good. Using hot water dries up the skin and as a result, sends the sebum glands into overdrive. This leaves you with dehydrated skin. Stick to lukewarm water for a thorough cleanse.

3) Over-exfoliating

While exfoliation can be wonderful for the skin, using harsh scrubs can leave your skin barrier compromised and torn, making it more susceptible to breakouts and rashes. Stick to a gentle exfoliating cleanser like the Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash once a day, preferably in the evening. You can use a water-based cleanser in the morning. If you’re a fan of gentle exfoliants, then incorporate the Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads in your routine 3 times a week. It is infused with glycolic acid that gently sloughs away dead skin cells and accumulated debris, leaving you with clear, glowing skin right from the first use!

4) Washing your face too often

We all love squeaky clean skin but over cleansing causes more problems than it solves. You only need to wash your face a maximum of 2 times a day – anything more is overkill. Unless you wear multiple makeup looks throughout the day, there is no need to cleanse more than twice. It dries out your skin, causing it to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.

5) Not giving the cleanser enough time

By this we mean, you’re quickly rubbing your cleanser and rinsing it the next second. Stop! Take a dime-sized amount of your cleanser and massage it over your face and neck for at least a minute. Get into all the nooks and crannies of your face using gentle motions. Rinse off using lukewarm water. If you’re using a cleansing balm, make sure you apply it on dry skin and rub it in to give the oils a chance to break down the makeup and dirt. Rinse thoroughly.

6) Not washing hands before

This isn’t said enough! If you wash your face with dirty hands, you’re introducing even more dirt and bacteria to your face. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face. And while we’re on the subject, wipe your phone down with a disinfectant, too!

7) Using makeup wipes

While they can be extremely quick and convenient, they do far from a thorough job of cleansing your skin. They actually smear makeup and dirt all over your face instead of removing it. Plus all the harsh tugging hampers your skin. When in a pinch, using a cotton pad soaked in micellar water. It’s a lot more hydrating, gentle and effective at removing makeup. And it leaves you with soft, clean skin that isn’t irritated.

8) Not using a moisturizer

Always, always, always follow up your face wash with a good moisturizer. Cleansing removes the dirt and also a good amount of oil. In the long run, this can cause premature ageing. Use a hydrating serum followed by a lightweight moisturizer within a minute of washing your face. Products absorb better when they’re applied to damp skin.

Read Here: Why You Should Double Cleanse Your Skin

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, go ace your skincare game like a pro! Good luck, gorgeous!