How often to clean the face depends on the environment and skin type. Dermatologists recommend using a 'cleanser' suitable for cleaning the skin. Even if you don't get into any kind of dust, as it is said to wash your face twice a day, washing your face too often can also cause damage to the skin. There are many misconceptions about facial skin cleaning that are wrong.
Misconception: Don't wash your face while showering
Washing the face during the bath is effective. Although many feel that it is not part of the bathing routine. However, its regular practice is a good step in skin care, says Shasa Hu, the founder of Bealife in the United States and dermatologist.
Explaining this, he said, "During the bath, the hot steam of the water opens the hair follicles and exfoliates deeply." "Also, washing your face in the shower, without using strong soap or hot water, saves time and water and deeply prepares the skin for makeup."
Myth: Always wash your face twice a day
It is not suitable for all skin types. "How many times a day you wash your face depends on your skin type," New York dermatologist Hadley King told Insider.com. Dry or sensitive skin is enough to wash once a day in the afternoon. But oily skin must be washed twice a day.
If you sweat, exercise, use heavy makeup (Makeup) etc., you must clean the skin well after returning from the gym and before going to sleep at night, he said. "Cleansing the face before going to sleep at night is helpful to remove the dirt and pollution from the skin throughout the day," said King. Otherwise, it can damage the skin and destroy collagen.
He also said, "If cosmetics are used at night to keep the skin healthy, the skin must be cleaned well in the morning."
Misconception: A face wash is only effective if it leaves the skin with a mild burning or tightening sensation after using the cosmetic.
'If you don't work hard, you won't work hard' - the saying doesn't always apply. Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of UK-based skin care product manufacturer Dermadoctor, said, “If you feel skin irritation after using any cosmetics, you should know that the ingredients are not suitable for you. It damages the skin's protective layer and can cause the skin to become more sensitive and lead to infections."
According to Hu, "Some acids (acids) such as retinoids may cause some irritation or irritation until the skin tolerates them." "Use of active ingredients in skin care can cause these symptoms and then resolve," he says. If in doubt about any of the cosmetic ingredients, expert advice can be sought before use.
Misconception: Just washing your face with soap and water is enough
Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist in New York, told Insider.com, "Normal soaps are made to clean normal things, but your skin is not normal."
He further said, “This type of soap absorbs the natural oils of the skin and damages the skin by destroying the balance of 'PH'. As a result, the skin becomes dry and sensitive.” A mild, fragrance-free cleanser should be used to wash the face.
Myth: A scrubbing brush should be used to thoroughly clean the skin
Hu said, "With the help of a brush, the skin can't remove excess oil or makeup." "This gradually increases the skin's oil production and clogs the pores." Using mechanical scrubbers creates tiny cracks in the skin that can cause allergies or irritation. So to scrub (Scrub) he advises the use of fine cloths and cleansers that gently exfoliate.
Misconception: Acne does not mean that the face is not cleaned regularly
“To keep the skin healthy, it must be cleansed. But keeping the skin clean does not mean that acne will not occur. Acne can be caused due to genetics, hormones etc.” said King.
“Oily skin is more prone to acne. Because the pores become blocked and breakouts occur. In this case, not cleaning the face regularly is responsible for the acne” But, if the skin is not oily, there is another reason behind the acne.
Misconception: Not using a clean cloth to wipe the face
Wiping the face with a clean cloth can cause two problems. Firstly, if the cloth contains bacteria, fungus or yeast and secondly the cloth can cause friction on the skin and increase the inflammation.
But King says, "It's best to just gently wipe your face using a clean, thin cloth."
Myth: There is no need to remove makeup separately before washing your face
Many people think that it is not necessary to remove makeup separately, only after washing. According to King, "Makeup should be applied properly first, followed by a skin care routine."
If the makeup is not cleaned properly, the pigments, preservatives, minerals etc. contained in it clog the pores of the skin and prevent the cosmetics from working on the skin. So, first of all, he advises to clean the makeup well and take care of the skin.
Misconception: Makeup wipes alone are enough to remove makeup.
"Cleansing wipes" can remove bacteria, dirt and oil from the skin. However, it cannot remove the material that enters the hair follicle," said Nazarian. This results in skin acne and glandular infections. Therefore, water and cleanser must be used to clean the skin properly.
Myth: You don't need to wash your hands before washing your face
According to Hu, "even if the hands do not look dirty, they must be washed well before touching the skin of the face."
Most people use mobile, keyboard or computer. Driving a car, without washing hands, put your hands in your mouth. In this, the bacteria is infected on the skin. As a result, various skin problems occur, especially those prone to acne and 'eczema'.
