HOW TO WASH CORRECTLY

What are the most common mistakes we make when washing our face.

INNA CODRU , NOVEMBER 29, 2019

It turns out that washing your face is not such a simple procedure. Who knew that this morning and evening ritual could lead to a waste of money and time, as well as skin problems? And here's the thing: this is exactly the kind of procedure whose seriousness is often overlooked by tuning in to other, more sophisticated follow-up procedures. We shouldn't be like that. Without proper washing, all subsequent active ingredients that you use may not be as effective. Or, even worse, they can lead to various rashes, skin inflammation, dryness, or more.

This is an extremely important step! So, we spoke with professional esthetician Kimberly Yap Tan about the most common mistakes people make. Read below! Even as a beauty editor, I also realized that I often did things wrong (hot water! Brushing my teeth after washing!). So do not be ashamed if you see your mistakes too - they can all be corrected very simply.

ERROR 1: Wrong water temperature

Kimberly says that when your water temperature is too high, it tends to dry out and dehydrate your skin. But do not try to completely cool the water now: too cold water will not be able to effectively dissolve the detergent, as well as remove makeup or dirt. Both extremes can lead to capillary problems.

MISTAKE 2: The "wrong" towel

The next time you go into the bathroom, take a look at your towel. Are there stains from mascara, make-up, etc.? Is the texture of the fabric worn out - maybe it's time to buy a new one? Think about it: you just washed your face clean, and now you're wiping it off again with everything that's accumulated on your towel from the past week. But here's my little hack so you don't have to run to the washing machine every day: keep a few towels on a hanger and only use one side after each wash. You can even conditionally break it into several sections and use only one part after each wash, and if also on both sides, then two good towels will be enough for you eight times!

When it comes to texture, there is no need to look for the softest and most delicate microfiber fabric. It just has to be high quality cotton fabric. Just make sure that the towels are not too rough, they can certainly exfoliate the skin, but they can also cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

MISTAKE 3: Lost time after washing

Waiting too long after washing your face will dry out your skin, Tan says. There is some moisture on your skin after you wash your face, and products like serums, moisturizers, and oils work by drawing in or retaining that water. If you don't apply them quickly enough to retain that moisture, the water will literally evaporate into the air, leaving your cells dehydrated.

MISTAKE 4: Didn't remove jewelry

Jewelry can tug, scratch, and even hurt your delicate facial skin while you wash it. (Depending on the jewelry, this might not be good for the jewelry itself.) It's also just a good habit for the rest of your skincare routine, Tan says. Moisturizers and other products can get stuck in between jewelry, wasting a good and not cheap product!

By the way: hair too. When you take off your jewelry, make sure you put your hair back, Tang reminds. Orphaned strands may fall on the face during the procedure, adding oil back onto the skin.

MISTAKE 5: Use the same methods for different media types

Not all general recommendations for washing your face need to be strictly followed: for each cosmetic product, there are quite specific instructions that you need to follow, but you still need to follow the basic sequence of movements and steps. Here is an example by type from Kimberly Yap Tan:

• Non-foaming: Consider your non-foaming creams, balms and oils. They should be applied to dry (oils and balms) or slightly damp skin (some creams recommend applying to wet skin). Because they don't emulsify, adding water just removes the product faster. Plus oils and oil-based balms literally repel water, so they really need to be on dry skin. Plus, Tan says, if you're wearing makeup, you might want to consider double cleansing with these options.


• Foaming agent: Such a product gives enough foam and needs a lot of water to wash it off. Apply to wet skin and cleanse the skin with light massage movements. Foaming cleanser will remove any makeup more thoroughly.


• Healing cleansers: This is a cleansing treatment with active ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA, respectively). (They are primarily used for pimples and acne.) Leave them on the skin a little longer so that the ingredients have time to treat the pores.

MISTAKE 6: Brushing your teeth after washing your face

Here's a big mistake I've made myself too, and Tan corrected me: Always brush your teeth before you wash your face. Brushing your teeth after washing your face, she explains, can just wash away all the products you just put on your skin. Or, if you brush your teeth after washing, which is supposed to help restore moisture to your skin, then you will immediately return to mistake number 3: drying out your skin and goodbye moisturizing.