5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Washing Your Face

Cleansing your face is the most important step to great skin, and one of the foundations of a good skincare routine. Nail this, and you’re on your way to clear, blemish-free skin. But what may seem like the easiest step in your regimen could cause more harm than good if you’re doing it wrong. Here are five mistakes you could be making when it comes to cleansing.

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This article first appeared in CLEO Singapore.

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5 Mistakes To Avoid When Washing Your Face

Cleansing your face without washing your hands first

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Make sure you wash your hands before you go on to cleanse your face. Skipping this step only serves to transfer bacteria from your fingers – and from under your nails – to your face. Preferably, use a pump soap dispenser to prevent any bacteria on the bottle from transferring to your hands.

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Rinsing with hot water

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Washing your face with hot water after a long day may feel comforting, but you’re only stripping the skin of its natural oils. This can leave your skin feeling dry, which in turn, triggers excessive oil production as your skin tries to combat the dryness. Also, hot water can cause blood vessels to dilate, leaving your skin with a red tinge. Turn your tap to cool (but not extremely cold!) and your skin will thank you for it.

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Not double cleansing

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Makeup is a mixture of pigments, emollients and preservatives and a cleanser cannot wash off all these thoroughly. Residual makeup will cause clogged pores and eventually lead to breakouts. You need a gentle makeup remover to wash off sunscreen, foundation, lipstick and mascara. And to make sure you’ve removed every bit of makeup, dirt and grime from the day, double cleanse. The key is to keep it gentle by choosing a mild foaming cleanser or micellar water.

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Not washing your face before bed

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It’s important to wash your face every night before bed – even if you weren’t wearing any makeup. During the course of the day, natural oils and sweat build up on the skin, attracting dust and dirt. Leaving this gunk on your face all night while you sleep could lead to irritated skin and acne.

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Leaving your cleanser on for too long

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There’s no need to be kiasu when it comes to cleansing. Once you’ve lathered up, use your fingertips massage the cleanser in small circular motions. Most people tend to focus on their cheeks but don’t forget to work the cleanser onto your T-zone, jawline and hairline. This routine should only last 20 to 30 seconds. Any longer and you could end up with dry, irritated skin.

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