A shocking study revealed that 80% of Americans are washing their faces incorrectly and 60% feel uninformed about how to actually do it. For the sake of anyone else in the same situation, let’s get right to it. Here are 7 common mistakes people make, plus exactly how to fix them.
MISTAKE #1: You’re not washing your hands first.
Though the reason for this first one may seem obvious, you’d be surprised by how many people skip this step (too many). Washing your hands before you cleanse your face is essential to prevent the transfer of any dirt and bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts if not properly and thoroughly washed away.
MISTAKE #2: You’re washing with hot water.
Cleansing with hot water may feel relaxing, but it’s anything but for your skin. In fact, it’s actually causing more harm than good because of how drying it is. It zaps the skin of essential oils, which can contribute to skin irritation, dryness, and even a compromised skin barrier over time. Instead, use lukewarm water to cleanse your face and preserve your skin’s natural oils.
MISTAKE #3: You’re missing spots.
Picture it: you’re trying to avoid getting your hair wet on a non-hairwash day, so you avoid getting too close to the hairline. While you’re certainly not alone if you can relate to this, you’re doing your skin a disservice by skimping around the hairline, nose, ears, and neck. After all, these are areas we sweat, wear makeup, and the like, which makes them just as prone to blemishes as-is but become even more so because of how often they’re overlooked.
TIP: Wear a terrycloth headband so you can cleanse all the way up to your hairline without worrying about splashing your hair.
MISTAKE #4: You’re not washing often enough.
“Wash your face twice a day” is not a new skincare rule, but no matter how long it’s been preached, there will still be people who skip a cleanse — often the morning one. You may hear, “I didn’t do anything overnight, so why should I wash when I wake up?” The answer is this: your skin is in its most restorative state overnight, which means you shed extra dead skin cells while you sleep. Because of this (plus sweat and drool), it’s essential to wash it all away to prevent this buildup from clogging your pores (just imagine applying your other products on top of that in the morning. Yuck).
MISTAKE #5: You’re using the wrong cleanser for your skin type.
Now, any arguments in favor of mistake #4 likely boil down to the wrong cleanser. With a suitable cleanser for your skin type, you won’t have to worry about over-cleansing or drying out your skin. Opt for a face wash that is specifically formulated for your skin type or one that’s “suitable for all skin types,” to be sure it has the targeted ingredients your skin needs.
TIP: Not sure what your skin type is? Find out here.
MISTAKE #6: You’re not exfoliating.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells and impurities from the outermost layer of your skin. It is not only beneficial but essential for healthy, glowing skin. This is because it unclogs pores of acne-causing oils and bacteria and allows for deeper penetration of your other skincare ingredients since there’s no longer anything blocking your skin from effectively absorbing your products. Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash is especially unique thanks to its formulation that provides gentle exfoliation and powerful hydration in one fell swoop. Our biodegradable jojoba esters gently exfoliate, then melt, infusing the skin with a refreshing burst of hydration (with the help of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and vegetable collagen).
MISTAKE #7: You’re drying your face too roughly.
Despite their purpose of drying, towels can be too drying — and pretty abrasive. To prevent over-drying your skin post-cleanse, pat the skin dry (don’t rub) with a soft, clean towel. This will prevent the material from absorbing too much natural moisture while also protecting your skin from excessive tugging.
