Keeping our face radiant and cleansed is not a simple feat. We want to help make your routine as easy as possible. Here are seven ways that you’re probably washing your face incorrectly:
Scrubbing too harshly
You don’t have to scrub your face to get it clean. Your face is delicate and you have to treat it with care. If you feel that washing your face with your hands doesn’t offer a deep enough cleanse, try a facial tool like the FOREO.
Using hot water
It always feels amazing to cleanse with hot water, but unfortunately, it won’t be great for your face in the long run. It strips the skin of necessary natural oils and leaves you with dry, flaky skin. It can also cause breakouts. Keep the temperature at lukewarm or cool (not cold!).
Not washing your face before or after a workout
It is of the utmost importance to clean your skin pre- and post-workout to remove any bacteria and sweat that could clog your pores. Even a “quick splash of water post-workout is a good practice.”
Using your body towel
If possible, you should use a separate towel from your body or hand towel. Think about it — your body towel might pick up fragrances and bacteria when you wipe your body, so it’s best to use separate towels. “The products you put on your body such as moisturizers, fragrances, and hair products are not the greatest if they end up on your face,” Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist tells Allure. “They can clog pores, increase breakouts, and some could even cause irritation or rashes.”
Washing more than twice a day
If you’re washing your face more than twice a day, put down the cleanser and stop right now. “Over-washing can actually damage your skin’s natural protective system, which then can affect how easily the environment irritates your skin, how efficiently you retain moisture, and over time can cause you to show early signs of aging such as fine lines and dry patches,” Manish Shah, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, tells American Spa.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
