5 Common Face Washing Myths: How to Improve Your Cleansing Routine
Face washing is a part of everyone's daily routine. While the act of face washing may seem like a simple task, most of us are actually causing more harm than good for our faces. Here are 5 common face washing mistakes and how to fix them.
MYTH #1: You should wash your face every morning.
FACT: Experts suggest that unless you have a skin condition, like acne, you only need to wash your face once a day, in the evening. Cleaning the face at night helps remove all the makeup, pollutants, and dirt that may have collected on the skin during your daily activities. Dryness is the enemy of healthy skin and washing twice a day as most people do can actually be harming your otherwise healthy skin.
FACT: Experts suggest that unless you have a skin condition, like acne, you only need to wash your face once a day, in the evening. Cleaning the face at night helps remove all the makeup, pollutants, and dirt that may have collected on the skin during your daily activities. Dryness is the enemy of healthy skin and washing twice a day as most people do can actually be harming your otherwise healthy skin.
MYTH #2: Facial cleansers should foam or they aren't working.
FACT: Although most people prefer their cleaning products to have some foaming action, facial cleansers that foam are no more effective than other forms of cleansers. Foaming cleansers can sometimes be too harmful for the skin. "A pea-sized amount of facial cleanser goes a long way to effectively clear the skin of pollutants yet maintain its natural healthy oils," states Dr. Eskandari, MD, Chief of Laser Skin Surgery at Pristine Laser Center.
FACT: Although most people prefer their cleaning products to have some foaming action, facial cleansers that foam are no more effective than other forms of cleansers. Foaming cleansers can sometimes be too harmful for the skin. "A pea-sized amount of facial cleanser goes a long way to effectively clear the skin of pollutants yet maintain its natural healthy oils," states Dr. Eskandari, MD, Chief of Laser Skin Surgery at Pristine Laser Center.
MYTH #3: You have to scrub your face when you clean it.
FACT: "Scrubbing the face can damage the protective top layer of the skin, sometimes leading to more acne," says Dr. Eskandari. Experts recommend gently applying cleanser in a light, circular motion with the fingertips for a safe and effective clean.
FACT: "Scrubbing the face can damage the protective top layer of the skin, sometimes leading to more acne," says Dr. Eskandari. Experts recommend gently applying cleanser in a light, circular motion with the fingertips for a safe and effective clean.
MYTH #4: If your face doesn't feel tight or "squeaky-clean", it's not clean.
FACT: Any time you feel a tight sensation on the skin after cleaning it, you probably are using too harsh of a facial cleanser which is stripping away the natural protective oils of the skin giving you that tight feeling. The face should feel soft and supple after face washing, never tight.
FACT: Any time you feel a tight sensation on the skin after cleaning it, you probably are using too harsh of a facial cleanser which is stripping away the natural protective oils of the skin giving you that tight feeling. The face should feel soft and supple after face washing, never tight.
MYTH #5: Rinsing your face with cold water closes your pores.
FACT: Lukewarm water is the optimal temperature for proper face cleansing and rinsing. Contrary to popular belief, pores do not open or close so washing with hot water and rinsing with cold water does nothing special for your skin.
FACT: Lukewarm water is the optimal temperature for proper face cleansing and rinsing. Contrary to popular belief, pores do not open or close so washing with hot water and rinsing with cold water does nothing special for your skin.
At Pristine Laser Center, we strive to help you meet your skin care needs. With our state-of-the-art lasers and highly trained medical staff, clear, beautiful skin is just a phone call away. Call today!
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Disclaimer: The material presented here is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or recommendation. Please check with your physician.
