7 Face Washing Mistakes

We all know how important it is to wash your face but it's not only how you wash your face that makes the difference, but when, how often, and what type of face wash you use. I've been trying out new techniques, changing old habits and just letting go of less effective ways of washing my face. I'm happy to say that I've seen major results in how my skin feels after changing things and I just thought I should share some mistakes we all make that hinder us from having great skin and that natural glow-up. From using soap to wash your face to using only a makeup wipe, keep reading to find out what are some of the most common mistakes we make daily when we wash our face and how we can do better to get beautiful skin. 1. USING THE WRONG CLEANSER The right cleanser will lift impurities off your skin and set a base for moisturiser or makeup. If your skin feels dry after cleansing, or you start to notice flaky patches, the cleanser you're using is too harsh on your skin. Rather go for a cleanser that’s suitable for gentle or sensitive skin. If your skin feels tight after washing, you are probably using the wrong cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, stick to a hydrating, gentle cleanser. If you have oily skin, use a foaming or salicylic acid-based cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt. If you have dry skin, use a cream cleanser that can help your skin retain more moisture. 2. USING SOAP TO WASH YOUR FACE Many of us grew up using soap to wash our face and a lot of people still do to this day but these are harsh on the skin. They can strip the natural hydrators from the skin, which can leave your face dry, red and inflamed. Rather use gentle cleansers or organic products that will not irritate your skin and are gentle enough to use twice a day. You can use soap to wash your hands first though before washing your face. 3. USING EITHER COLD/HOT WATER From a very early age, I learned that washing your face with hot water opens up your pores to make the product more effective and that after cleansing you should splash your face with cold weather. I have later come to realise that the best option is to wash your face with lukewarm water. Hot water strips the skin of the necessary oil barrier, meaning your skin will dry out faster and become more itchy and flaky over time. 4. OVER-EXFOLIATING Exfoliating helps remove dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin to improve skin radiance. Whether you use an exfoliator after cleansing or if you're like me and your go-to cleanser is a scrub, you shouldn't be using it everyday. Exfoliate ONLY 2-3 times a week because over-scrubbing can cause skin irritation. 5. USING A DIRTY TOWEL Experts say that reusing the same face towel over and over again spreads more bacteria and mold to your face. (Euuww, this just screams breakouts to me). I DON'T and never will wash my face with the same washcloth I use for my body. Please don't do that. Make sure you have a separate cloth for your face so that you don't have bacteria from your body spread to your face. Also, make sure you switch out your washcloth regularly. Daily, if you can, but honestly I'd rather do it weekly. 6. NOT REMOVING MAKE-UP BEFORE WASHING YOUR FACE We all know the effects of sleeping with your makeup on (i.e. breakouts). Another thing to note: Your cleanser should NOT be used as a makeup remover. Use a gentle makeup removing wipe, micellar water, or oil-based makeup remover before you wash your face, especially when removing long-wear makeup. 7. USING ONLY A MAKEUP WIPE TO CLEAN YOUR FACE Although they remove makeup and dirt, they also leave behind a residue. I learned this the hard way because I had to deal with the perils of only using a makeup wipe. Cleaning your face with facial wipes is not good enough. Use them first to remove makeup then rinse away residue and bacteria with a gentle cleanser.

I really hope this helps you on your journey to beautiful, radiant skin. Take care of your skin beauties. Love it and it will love you back!