Face wash is an essential part of a good skin care routine. As it is the first step in the routine, which helps in removing the excess oil, dust and skin care products from the face and giving a fresh and energizing look. Moreover different face wash are available in the market formulated specifically for different skin types while targeting different skin issues. However many people lack proper knowledge of using face wash which makes them make mistakes that lead to damaging the skin barrier.
A skin barrier is the outer surface of skin that helps in locking the moisture and preventing the entry of harmful bacteria but damaged skin barrier can cause skin dryness and develop conditions for acne formation. Therefore in this guide we will talk about the mistakes people make like over washing or using the wrong face wash that leads to damaged skin barrier and makes the skin more prone to skin related issues that will help you to stop making these mistakes and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Mistakes that Damages the Skin Barrier
These are some of the mistakes that generally contribute to damage to the skin barrier.
1. Over Washing the Face
Many people think that over washing the face helps with removing the extra sebum, dust and keeps the face clean. But in reality, it even removes the skin’s natural oil (which is responsible for providing moisturizing) and causes skin dryness and irritation.
Experts suggest that washing your face 2 times a day is best for removing excess oil while keeping the skin’s natural oil intact. Washing the face in the morning and going before bed is preferred mostly. If you are someone who sweats a lot or has oily skin then with the advice of your doctor you can extra cleanse your face.
2. Using the Wrong Face Wash
Many people use a face wash not according to their skin type which leads to various skin related issues and over time damage the skin barrier.
Using a right face wash according to your skin type can help you remove excess oil and dust while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Use the right face according to your skin type by considering the following points.
- Dry Skin: Cream based cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid which prevent the skin from dryness.
- Oily Skin: Gel based face wash which contains salicylic acid helps in reducing the excessive sebum or oil and prevents acne formation.
- Sensitive Skin: Using alcohol and fragrance free face wash that contains ingredients like ceramides helps in strengthening the skin barrier.
3. Washing your Face with Hot Water
Most of us wash our face with hot water that damages the skin barrier as our skin surface is sensitive and hot water can remove the skin’s natural oil which leads to irritation and redness on the skin. So washing your face with lukewarm water is preferred as it helps in preventing any loss of natural oil which keeps a healthy skin barrier.
4. Scrubbing the Face Aggressively
Many people think that rubbing the face aggressively increases the effectiveness of the face wash and helps in removing the excess oil and dust. But in reality they create tiny rashes or bumps and irritate the acne which can further damage the skin. Circling motion for around 60-90 seconds on the face is mostly suggested to properly remove the dust and oil while preventing any skin damage.
5. Neglecting the Ingredients List
Many people only focus on the main ingredient that is visible to everyone but they forget to read the ingredient list. Some face washes contain harsh sulfates and fragrance that can damage the skin. So before investing in a cleanser checking all the ingredients list is essential to prevent the skin from any skin irritation or related issues.
6. Using Dirty Towel
A towel that has been used regularly for several days will accumulate sweat, dust and bacteria. Using this towel on the face can transfer this buildup onto the face which can lead to acne or skin breakout. So using a fresh and clean towel is vital to dry your face to prevent this build up and protect your skin.
7. Skipping Moisturizer after Cleansing
People with oily skin ignore using moisturizer after washing their face thinking that it will lead to acne or skin breakout. But in reality, a good face wash removes the excess oil and avoiding moisturizer after cleansing can cause dehydration and dryness that forces the body to make more oil which may lead to acne.
8. Ignoring the Hairline and Jaw Area
Many people only focus on cleaning the centre of the face and ignoring the hairline and jaw area which can accumulate sweat, oil, bacteria and hair products that makes the area more prone to acne or breakout. Cleansing your whole face including the hairline and jaw area is crucial to prevent your whole face from acne or related issues.
Final Thoughts
If you want healthy and glowing skin then sticking to a good skin care routine and following good habits is essential. Face wash is one of the important steps in the skin care routine. However most of us make face wash mistakes that damage the skin barrier. Even if you are using the best face wash, it will only provide benefits if it is used correctly.
Having some knowledge about common mistakes that people make such as washing the face with hot water, scrubbing harshly, using dirty towels and ignoring the ingredient list will help the person to avoid these mistakes and use the face wash correctly.
