We will discuss the 7 cleansing mistakes you might be making that could be hindering your ability to achieve clear, evenly-toned skin. If you are dealing with pimples, blackheads, and congestion, and are unable to clear your skin, you may be making one of these 7 cleansing mistakes.
Cleansing is a crucial step in your skincare routine that is often overlooked or not done properly. Many people focus on using serums, exfoliators, or cleansers to clear their skin, especially if they have pimples, blackheads, or congestion. However, it's essential to get back to basics and ensure that we cleanse our skin effectively to see great results.
Every day, our skin accumulates pollution, makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dead skin cells, which need to be washed away. If we don't cleanse properly, our serums and moisturizers will not be able to penetrate the skin effectively. Pollution consists of tiny particles that can enter our pores and cause skin irritation, leading to inflammation and premature ageing.
Dermalogica has a tool that measures the level of pollution in your area. Click here to check it out and learn more.
#1 Cleansing Mistake
Using an exfoliating cleanser every day.
Exfoliating is important for clearing the pores and preventing the formation of pimples. It can also help with spots and uneven skin tone by lifting pigmentation out of the skin.
Our skin naturally exfoliates itself every 28 days. When the skin sheds a layer of skin, new skin cells are formed in their place. There are two types of exfoliating cleansers: physical and chemical.
It's important to be cautious about physical exfoliating cleansers. When you exfoliate your skin every single day, you’re not giving your skin a chance to make new skin cells, which can end up hurting your skin. You may experience tingling, dryness, and sensitivity, especially if you’re using a cleanser with granules.
Chemical exfoliating cleansers contain hydroxy acids such as salicylic or lactic acid. They are gentler than granular exfoliators. However, whether you can use them daily depends on your skin type. For example, I have sensitive skin and I wouldn't be able to handle them.
#2 Cleansing Mistake
When you clean your skin with soap, you change its natural pH level. Soap has an alkaline pH, while your skin has an acidic pH. This can disrupt your skin's protective barrier, which normally prevents irritants from entering and keeps moisture from leaving. If the barrier isn't functioning properly, it can lead to dehydration. When your skin is dehydrated, it may produce more oil to try to moisturize itself, which can lead to more blackheads and pimples.
#3 Cleansing Mistake
Cleansing brushes exfoliate the skin, similarly to exfoliating cleansers. However, it's important to note that facial brushes can harbour bacteria and fungus from dead skin cells left on the bristles. If not cleaned properly, these brushes can accumulate bacteria, leading to skin irritation and sensitivity, exacerbating acne issues.
To prevent this, it's essential to wash the brush with soap and water and disinfect it regularly.
#4 Cleansing Mistake
Using a cleanser with fragrance or perfume can cause skin sensitivity and inflammation, which can make acne worse and prevent pimples from clearing up. It's best to avoid fragrance in your skincare, regardless of whether you have sensitive skin or not.
#5 Cleansing Mistake
Washing your skin too often is a common mistake, especially for those with very oily skin who are trying to reduce oil production. However, frequent cleansing can strip your skin of essential oils that help maintain its natural barrier, leading to dehydration. When your skin is dehydrated, it responds by producing even more oil in an attempt to moisturize itself, which creates a vicious cycle.
#6 Cleansing Mistake
Using face wipes is so convenient, I know! But face wipes don't thoroughly clean your skin and contain harsh cleansing ingredients to break down makeup. Most people don't rinse their skin after using face wipes, so the harsh cleansing ingredients stay on their skin. This can lead to irritation and sensitivity.
It's important to wash your face for at least a minute before rinsing off the face wash. This gives the cleansing ingredients enough time to do their job properly, allowing your serums and moisturizer to penetrate.
#7 Cleansing Mistake
Not using the correct cleanser for your skin type. This seems straightforward and obvious, but for some people, it's not. I have had a lot of clients buy a cleanser for oily skin, thinking it will moisturize their dry skin. If it is labelled "oily skin," then it is meant for oily skin type and will help oily skin. If you use the incorrect cleanser, like buying a cleanser for oily skin but your skin is dry, it will just dry your skin out even more.
So if you've made any of the above mistakes, leave a comment below and let me know which one you're guilty of." If you found any value in this post, please share it with anyone who might benefit from it.