Cleanser Chaos: 8 Ways Cleansing May Be Doing More Harm Than Good
Cleansing your face seems like the easiest part of your skincare routine—wet, lather, rinse, and you're done. But, even minor missteps in your cleansing routine can cause more harm than good, leading to issues like dehydration, irritation, and breakouts. And since proper cleansing sets the stage for your entire skincare routine, allowing the rest of your products to work their magic, it’s even more important to understand the do’s and don’ts of facial cleansing. Let’s create some order to the cleansing chaos by understanding these eight “not so good” techniques.
1. Ignoring Your Skin Type
Cleansing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. One of the most common mistakes is using a cleanser that isn’t suited for your skin type. Our suggestion? Take the time to understand your unique needs. Choose a cleanser that balances and improves your skin’s quality without stripping it of essential moisture.
2. Over-Cleansing
It might seem logical that the more you cleanse, the cleaner your skin will be, but this approach can backfire. Washing your face more than twice a day can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and triggering an overproduction of oil as your skin attempts to compensate. Stick to cleansing twice daily—once in the morning and once at night—with a product that matches your skin type. In the evening, consider a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities and gently exfoliate the skin.
3. Using the Wrong Water Temperature
The water temperature you use to cleanse your face matters more than you might think. Hot water may feel soothing, but it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. On the other hand, cold water doesn’t effectively dissolve dirt and oil. Lukewarm water is the best option—it’s gentle enough to avoid irritation while effectively removing impurities.
4. Being Too Rough with Your Skin
Rubbing your face dry with a towel or washcloth after cleansing might not seem like a big deal, but being too rough can damage your skin’s delicate surface. Scrubbing can lead to microtears, adding to issues like fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel after cleansing to avoid unnecessary irritation.
5. Delaying Your Skincare Routine
Timing is everything when it comes to applying your skincare products. After cleansing, it’s essential to start your skincare routine within 60 seconds of drying your face. This is because damp skin can better absorb the active ingredients in your serums and moisturizers. By applying products quickly, you help lock in the moisture from cleansing, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and healthy.
6. Over-Exfoliating
Even though it’s not exactly cleansing, Exfoliation does feel like a part of cleaning your skin. While it is an essential part of any skincare routine, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, over-exfoliating can do more harm than good. Using exfoliating products too frequently, especially those with harsh physical scrubs or strong chemical exfoliants, can lead to irritation, redness, and even damage to the skin's protective barrier. This can cause increased sensitivity, dryness, and breakouts. Always limit exfoliation to 2-3 times per week, depending on your skin type.
7. Using Harsh Products
Not all cleansers are created equal. Some contain harsh ingredients, which can strip your skin of oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for gentle cleansers that are formulated using plant-based ingredients, and stay away from those containing phthalates, sulfates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and more words you can’t pronounce. Instead, look for high-quality, natural ingredients that feed your skin from the outside in.
8. Not Adjusting Your Routine Seasonally
Your skin’s needs change with the seasons. For example, during the colder months, you might need a more hydrating cleanser to combat dryness, while in the summer, a lighter, gel-based cleanser may be more suitable. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to changes in weather and adjust your cleansing routine accordingly.