Washing your face may seem like the simplest part of your skin care routine. However, if you 
frequently struggle with common skin conditions such as dryness, oiliness, irritation, and acne breakouts, it’s possible you could be practicing one or more face-washing habits that aren’t ideal for great skin health.
It’s never too late to improve your face-washing routine. In fact, the sooner you start practicing healthier skin care habits, the sooner you may be able to reverse one or more frustrating skin care woes you may have been dealing with for an extended period of time. May is National Skin Care Awareness Month, which is the ideal time for you to learn more about how to care for your skin and help reverse premature signs of aging.
Could your existing face-washing routine be improved for lasting skin health? Check out the following seven common face-washing mistakes many individuals unknowingly make on a regular basis.
Mistake #1: Washing too often
Ideally, you should wash your face twice per day: once in the morning, and once at night before you go to bed. Washing your face more than twice per day can lead to dryness and irritation, since you could be washing off your skin’s natural essential oils.
Mistake #2: Using hot water
Washing your face using hot water can lead to dryness, and can interfere with your skin’s natural, protective oils. While taking a hot shower may feel pleasant, lower the temperature when you’re washing your face. Plus, lukewarm water is often more effective at cleaning your skin efficiently and gently.
Mistake #3: Exfoliating too often
Exfoliation is ideal for removing dead skin cells and refreshing your overall appearance, but exfoliating too often can result in dryness, redness, and possible irritation. Avoid using grainy exfoliating products, and stick to using exfoliants made with fruit acids and sugar scrubs, which are much gentler on your skin. Also, try to avoid exfoliating more than three days per week for the best results.
Mistake #4: Not rinsing away all soap
If you’re rushing through your skin care routine in the morning to get to work on time, it’s possible you may not be fully rinsing all soap and cleansers from your face, which can increase the risk for dry skin and clogged pores. Rinse all soap from your face thoroughly before continuing with your skin care or makeup routine.
Mistake #5: Using harmful irritants and ingredients
When choosing skin care products, stay away from products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and other synthetic fragrances and colorants. These types of man-made ingredients can disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin, and lead to irritation, redness, and possible allergic reactions.
Mistake #6: Rubbing with a towel
Pat your face dry using a soft, clean towel, instead of rubbing it vigorously -- the act of which can tug and pull at your skin, and affect your skin’s elastin. Also, make sure you use a clean towel to pat your face dry. Using a hand towel shared by your entire family, or using your own full-body towel could result in the spreading of bacteria and increase the risk for breakouts.
Mistake #7: Avoiding the use of natural oils
Skin care experts say that all skin types can benefit from oil-based cleansers, as long as the cleansers are made with natural, plant-based oils such as grapeseed oil, almond oil, and apricot-kernel oil. Massage these oils on your face, then wipe away fully using a clean, soft washcloth to prevent buildup and the clogging of pores. These types of natural oils are even effective on oily skin types, and can help heal and improve the appearance of your skin.
Facial rejuvenation treatments
If your skin shows signs of acne scarring, large visible pores, and signs of aging as a result of using the wrong soap brands or neglecting your skin care routine, consider undergoing one or more cosmetic facial rejuvenation treatments that can help restore youth to your appearance. Microneedling with CosmoPen can help treat large pores, acne scarring, and signs of aging, whereas laser skin resurfacing can also improve the appearance of acne scarring and rejuvenate aging skin.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
