It’s quite common for both women and men to not take cleansing seriously. While some use cleansers that are too harsh or drying for their skin, others use body soap to cleanse their face. It’s completely understandable that life can get busy at times, but that shouldn’t mean you dismiss cleansing as just another task to tick off your to-do list.
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If you think of cleansing as an insignificant part of your routine, you’re making a huge mistake that could end up damaging your skin. While your cleanser may go down the drain just 30 seconds after you wash your face, it forms the most important part of your skincare routine. Cleansing, in fact, serves as the foundation for the other layers of skincare and ensures better absorption of your products. So if you’re not cleansing your face properly, it’s almost like not doing anything for your skincare at all.
If you’re serious about skincare, start by getting your cleansing routine right. I’ve curated a list of cleansing mistakes you might be unknowingly making, along with ways to fix them. Be sure to take note of these points and show your skin a little more love!
1. Using Hot Water for Cleansing
The biggest mistake most people make when washing their face is using the wrong water temperature. While hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, cold water makes it difficult for clogged pores to open up.
So, what’s the best water temperature to use while cleansing your face?
Dermatologists recommend lukewarm water—water that’s neither too hot nor too cold. This rule applies even when washing your face in the shower.
2. Cleansing Too Often
Many people believe that washing their face too often keeps it clean, but that’s not true. Cleansing more than twice a day can leave your skin feeling dull and dehydrated. Why take that risk when you only need to cleanse twice a day to retain your skin’s moisture?
Ideally, you should wash your face first thing in the morning (before or after your shower) and again in the evening as part of your nighttime skincare routine. Anything more than that can cause skin damage.
3. Using An Abrasive Towel To Dry Your Face
Even the best cleansers will fail to show results if you have poor face-drying habits.
If you’re wondering what a bad face-drying habit looks like, consider using a harsh or abrasive towel to wipe your face after cleansing. Harsh towels, in addition to leaving skin dehydrated, can damage the skin barrier, making it feel itchy and sensitive. Instead, choose a clean, soft washcloth and gently pat your face until it’s damp enough to apply moisturizer.
4. Using The Wrong Cleanser
Choosing the right facial cleanser requires understanding your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin and are using a gel-based cleanser, it could cause your skin to dry out further and lose its elasticity.
So, what type of cleanser is best for your skin?
I have combination skin that becomes extremely dry during the day and oily at night. As a result, I use a hydrating cleanser in the morning and a cream-based salicylic acid cleanser at night.
For oily skin, CeraVe’s hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser may work great. For dry skin, consider trying Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron Face Wash, CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash, or KIEHL’s Calendula Foaming Face Wash.
5. Applying Cleanser Incorrectly
Many people do everything right when it comes to cleansing. They choose the right cleanser for their skin type, double cleanse regularly, and use a soft towel to wipe their face—but they unknowingly apply the cleanser incorrectly.
The proper way to apply cleanser is to massage it into your skin using circular motions. This not only improves blood circulation but also helps unclog pores. While 30 seconds is typically enough, feel free to double that time if you’re trying to remove makeup or sweat after a workout. Anything more can potentially dry out your face.
6. Not Double Cleansing
With everything your skin goes through during the day, it’s essential to double cleanse in the evening. Double cleansing consists of two steps: first using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, followed by a gel-based cleanser. This ensures your skin is free from impurities or makeup that could clog your pores.
While it’s fine to use just a gel-based cleanser in the morning, never skip double cleansing at night if you want to maintain healthy skin.
I personally use either Bioderma Micellar Water or DHC Deep Cleansing Oil before washing my face with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Since double cleansing can leave your skin feeling dry, make sure to use a high-quality hydrating cleanser and apply moisturizer immediately afterward.
7. Exfoliating Too Often
Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells, impurities, and flaky patches. While it’s important to exfoliate, doing it too often can do more harm than good. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils and damage your skin’s protective barrier.
Even though your skin may appear polished after exfoliating, limit exfoliation to once every 4-5 days for optimal results. That’s all your skin needs to stay clean and healthy.
There you have it! Cleansing your face is an essential part of your daily skincare routine, so make sure you don’t leave any room for mistakes.
Happy cleansing!