Most of us have a skincare cleansing routine that we stick to — it’s all about the arduous repetition of steps (see: our guide to the best skincare routine to stick to) we diligently follow day in and day out.
But what if you are actually doing the wrong thing for your skin? Instead of reaping the benefits, you might be unknowingly damaging your skin for days on end, not caring for your individual skin type in the proper way. For better skin days ahead, here are the three most common skin cleansing mistakes to avoid — once and for all.
#1. Relying solely on makeup remover wipes
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We all know how detrimental sleeping in your makeup can be. So, having something that makes the removal process easier can’t hurt, right? Wrong — there’s always a catch. Makeup wipes might work in a pinch every once in a while, but they’re in no way effective enough for cleansing your skin properly. Cleansing agents and surfactants in wipes help to break down makeup and debris, but you actually need to rinse your face after in order to remove the layer of bacteria that wipes leave behind. In other words, makeup remover wipes are not a substitute for old-fashioned facial washing. Plus, if they contain alcohol, they can be irritating and dry you out. Bottom line: use gentle, alcohol-free wipes and follow up with a gentle cleanser every time.
#2. Over-exfoliating
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It’s highly damaging in the long term to buff away too much of your top skin layer while exfoliating. Too much exfoliating may accelerate the aging process of your skin by causing micro tears on the skin’s surface and can also destroy your skin’s moisture barrier — the thing that exists to keep bacteria out of your pores and hydration in. For the love of better complexion, stick to exfoliating only one to two times a week, max and don’t go overboard with the scrubbing while you’re at it.
#3. Cleansing in the shower too frequently
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Don’t get us wrong, washing your face while in the shower does have its pros: the hydration and warmth makes your skin particularly amenable to gentle exfoliation and thorough cleansing. But doing it too often in a shower that’s too long or too hot has its drawbacks. Hot water and temperatures can widen the blood vessels and capillaries in your face, leaving your skin red and irritated. It can also aggravate conditions like rosacea, which ultimately leads to broken and permanently dilated vessels. Facial skin can also become too dry if there is too much contact with water. That’s not all; the unstable temperature in a shower can also break down your cleansing products at an accelerated rate. The otherwise mild surfactants in your cleansers will then irritate skin when applied while in a hot shower. It’s best to store your cleansers in the medicine cabinet where temperatures are more controlled, and to avoid showering with water that’s too warm now and then. Always wash your face with cool to lukewarm water at your sink before stepping into a steamy shower alternate days where you’ll cleanse in the shower and after a shower.
For recommendations of the best facial cleansers for different skin types, check out our gallery below:
https://www.herworld.com/beauty/makeup/makeup-remover-wipes-cleansing-mistakes-causing-skin-problems/
The best facial cleansers for different skin types, to start 2018 on a clean slate
The right kind of cleanse
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Skin cleansing is the first step of your skincare routine. It may seem like a basic step, but getting it right may be trickier than just picking up any random facial wash off the shelf.
Pick the right cleanser for your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive) or to address your most pressing skin concerns (acne, dullness, ageing) and you’re well on your first step to treating your skin right.
Using the wrong kind of cleanser, however, could irritate or aggravate your skin unnecessarily and cause more problems before you can even start moving on to your skincare serums and creams, so choose wisely.
Click through our gallery to see the best cleansers for sensitive, dull, oily, dry, acne prone skin, or if you’re all about preventing skin ageing.
ALSO READ: The one skincare ingredient every woman needs for younger looking skin
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Dull skin - Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $27 for 177ml
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Dull skin - This Works Light Time Cleanse And Glow, $61 for 75ml
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Dull skin - Sephora Radiance Cleansing Foam, $19 for 150ml
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Oily, acne-prone skin - Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser, $58 for 120ml
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A powerful, medicated cleanser that cleanses pores and removes impurities.
With a luxuriously whipped texture, this has three percent sulfur to zap acne and blemishes, draw out impurities, and clear congested pores. There’s also honey and rice bran extracts to calm redness, while natural oat ingredients balances skin’s sebum. With continued use, it leaves skin trouble-free with visibly minimised pores.
ALSO READ: The right cleansing for different skin types
Oily, acne-prone skin - Three Balancing Foam, $55
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Oily, acne-prone skin - Dr Jart Poremedic Pore Minish Bubble, $32 for 120ml
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Dry skin - Nivea Hydration Super Mousse, $9.90 for 150ml
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Dry skin - Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild), $35 for 200ml
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A trusted cleanser in a super gentle formula that won’t dry out the skin.
Developed with dermatologists, this offers simple, effective cleansing, thanks to its soft, non-drying lather that cleans gently and rinses easily. It protects skin’s natural moisture balance so there’s no taut or dry feeling after washing.
ALSO READ: The best new cleansers for your skin
Dry skin - Estelle & Thild Biocleanse Multi Action Cleansing Gel, $36 for 150ml
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Anti-ageing - First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, $18 for 56.7g
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Anti-ageing - Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Cleanser, $66 for 200ml
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Anti-ageing - Peter Thomas Roth Anti Aging Cleansing Gel, $69 for 250ml
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With a host of good-for-skin ingredients, this pampering cleanser is ideal for mature skin.
It has anti-wrinkle technology in its formulation, which helps to clarify and brighten with glycolic acid, while extracts of peach, white oak bark, lemon, lime, linden, grapefruit, and arginine boost natural cell turnover to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
ALSO READ: Cleansing your face can actually be bad for you, find out when to stop
Sensitive skin - Shiseido Waso Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser, $40 for 150ml
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An alcohol- and oil-free -gel cleanser that has honey to help it foam without water.
It and rinses off clean to remove makeup, plus dirt and excess oil. The honey is a gentle and natural non-foaming agent plus it also helps to nurture the skin to make it healthier and supple.
ALSO READ: The right cleansing for different skin types
Sensitive skin - Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, $20 for 236ml
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Sensitive skin - Caudalie Fleur De Vigne Instant Foaming Cleanser, $33 for 150ml
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ALSO READ: THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSERS FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES, TO START 2018 ON A CLEAN SLATE