4 things you didn’t know about cleansing your skin

Think washing your face is a relatively goof-proof process? Think again.

Here are four things you probably don’t know about cleansing your skin.

Face cloths shouldn’t be used on faces

Or at least that’s what some dermatologists are saying, because the rough texture may irritate your skin.

Instead, use your fingertips to wash, and get rid of dead skin cells with a cleanser that contains alpha-hydroxy or fruit acids.

If you love a scrub to exfoliate your skin, don’t get carried away.

Yes, they make your skin look and feel amazing but only use them once a week tops, so as not to tear the pores.

If you do it every day, even flawless skin will react.

Your face should be a soap-free zone

Soap is cleansing but it’s too drying on your face, even if you have oily, acne prone skin.

Trying to get rid of acne with soap is like trying to unclog the drain by scrubbing the sink.

Acne occurs hormonally or deep in hair follicles, not the skin’s surface.

To fight acne, wash with products made for the blemish-prone.

Look for products that are soap-free, and contain moisturisers and pore penetrators such as salicylic acid.

You can be too gentle

Treating dry skin or sensitive skin too tenderly with over-rich cleansers isn’t doing your face any favours.

They can leave a greasy residue since they don’t rinse off.

Instead try a mild wash and use lukewarm water.

More cleansing isn’t always better

Most people think really clean is good, really clean is even better.

This is not the case.

Washing once or twice a day (maybe in the morning, definitely in the evening) is more than enough.

Cleanse after exercise if need be.

Overdo it and you risk robbing your skin of its natural protective layer, even if you’re using the gentlest of cleansers.

And remember to rinse off all your cleanser, especially around your hairline, to avoid breakouts.

More skin tips:

Written by Nikki Yazxhi.

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