Here are several things that you should avoid when washing your
face. Remember that it is our aim to make your skin healthier and
beautiful.
Do not wash face too often. Washing your face doesn't mean you have
to wash it every hour of the day... Experts recommend ONLY two or three
times per day. Frequent washing may dry out your skin thus increasing
your risk to irritations that may even cause acne. Moreover, if the
skin is too dry, your glands will produce more oil to compensate for
this loss. This means that the risk of getting too much sebum also
increases.
Do not use harsh soaps and cleansers. Never use bar soaps or bar
cleansers. The ingredients that keep these soaps and cleansers in bar
form can clog your pores and irritate your skin... plus, they can help
foster breakouts. Harsh soap and cleansers can strip off the skin’s
natural lipids thus irritate your skin. Choose cleansers that are mild
and non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, and soap-free. There are several
products like this in the market like Cetaphil, Burt Bee’s or
Neutrogena. Dilute your cleanser with enough water when you wash... The
less concentrated your cleanser, the gentler it will be.
Do not use too much cleanser. Even if you are using mild cleansers,
it is best to dilute it with water (a palmful will be sufficient). The
less concentrated your cleanser, the gentler it will be for your face.
Do not use cleansers containing alcohol. Alcohol will upset your
face’s natural ph level, thus causing irritation. Using toners and
astringents may feel wonderful... but over-using these will irritate
your skin!
Do not just use products. Instead, know your skin type. For dry
skin, look for products with cocoa butter or glycerin. For oily skin,
look for products with benzoyl peroxide, citric acid or salicylic acid.
For sensitive skin, look for aloe vera, almond oil or chamomile.
Do not under rinse. Residues left behind can actually clog your
pores. Facial cleansers can leave an invisible residue behind which can
clog your pores. Rinse three times, then rinse again!
Do not exfoliate often. Removing dead skin cells can make your skin
less dull but you should not overdo it or you will injure your skin.
Too much scrubbing will make your skin dull and flaky. Avoid abrasive
facial pads and grainy facial scrubs.
Remember, in everything that you do, simplicity and moderation is
often that key. Do not abuse your skin. Go easy and gentle. And put
your best face forward.
