Ensure to not make these 13 common mistakes while washing your face

For those with dry skin, look for a face wash containing ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, dimethicone, and lanolin, which help moisturise and soothe the skin.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | April 13, 2023 10:50 AM IST

3 min read

Did you know there is a proper way to wash your face? (Pic source: Pexels)

Washing the face with a suitable cleanser is the first step of a good skincare routine. However, it must be noted that there is a right way to clean your face to get maximum benefits and avoid any harmful side effects. As such, many of us could be making certain common (yet avoidable) mistakes that we could be making while washing out faces.

Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, a dermatologist, took to Instagram to share some of the most common mistakes many of us might be making while washing our face.

Face Wash Mistakes

1. Washing with dirty hands
2. Not removing makeup
3. Using the wrong cleanser
4. Your water is too cold or hot
5. Not washing for 60 seconds
6. Over-cleansing
7. Rubbing your face dry
8. Using washcloths or wipes
9. Exfoliating more than needed
10. Not consistent with cleansing
11. Skipping moisturiser after cleansing
12. Washing only once a day
13. Missing the ears, nose, and jawline

What you should do instead.

Dr Mittal also shared what you should be doing instead.

1. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face
2. Use your fingertips to apply cleanser
3. Stick to washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night
4. It’s important to spend at least 60 seconds washing your face to ensure that you’re removing all dirt and makeup
5. After washing, pat dry with a soft towel
6. Choose a cleanser that is gentle, pH-balanced, and appropriate for your skin type
7. Always follow up face washing with a good and effective skincare routine. In the AM, use a toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. At night, use a retinol and moisturiser.

ALSO READ | Here is why you should double cleanse your face

How many times should you wash your face?

You should wash your face twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist CARE Hospitals Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad shares, “Washing your face in the morning helps to remove excess oil and sweat that has accumulated on your skin overnight, while washing your face before bed helps to remove makeup, dirt, and pollution that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day”.

ALSO READ | Priyanka Chopra swears by organic coconut oil to remove make-up; do dermatologists advise the same?

Ingredients to look for in cleanser depending upon your skin type

Dr Kalpana Sarangi, Senior Consultant, Cosmetic Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, shares with indianexpress.com, the ingredients you should look out for depending upon your skin type. They are:

Dry skin. For those with dry skin, look for a face wash containing ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, dimethicone, and lanolin, which help moisturise and soothe the skin.

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Oily skin. Ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel are effective in controlling oil production and reducing the appearance of pores.

Combination skin. For combination skin, niacinamide, glycerol, panthenol, and propylene glycol are recommended as they help balance the skin’s moisture levels without causing irritation.

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