Though washing your face may seem the least complicated part of your daily beauty routine, you could be doing it all wrong. Some common lathering habits can actually cause annoying skin problems including dryness, irritation, oiliness and breakouts. Make these habits a part of your daily routine and enjoy a glowing and flawless skin: 1. Opt for a mild, moisturising cleanser that removes oil and residue without leaving your skin dry, tight or flaky. The right cleanser helps clean skin and prepares it for other skincare products, like serums and creams. 2. Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin washing your face. You don't want all the bacteria from your hands to transfer over. 3. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Rinsing your face with cool water to close the pores is a myth. Water that is too hot or too cold will only shock and irritate the skin, causing broken capillaries. 4. Never apply a cleanser without moistening your face first. Most cleansers are too harsh and need to be diluted with water. Use one pump of product and create lather with your fingertips. Then apply using a gentle, circular motion to loosen dirt. 5. Keep rinsing until all the cleanser is removed from your skin. Residual products will dry out your skin and clog pores. Don't forget to rinse your hairline, neck and the sides of your nose. These are places often missed and can lead to skin irritation. 6. Don't exfoliate too much. Acids and buffing agents are meant to smooth skin by removing dead skin cells, but exfoliating too often can strip and dry out the new layer. Over time this will weaken the skin's natural protective barrier. 7. Pat, don't rub. Your fingertips are always best. But if you must use a washcloth, make sure it is clean and never rub. Rubbing the delicate skin of your face too harshly with a towel can lead to abrasion and wrinkles. 8. Apply a moisturiser while your skin is still damp to seal in the moisture balance. 9. Wash your face two to three times a day, but remember that over-cleansing will disrupt natural barrier functions and can make conditions like acne and rosacea worse. 10. Never go to sleep without a proper facial cleanse. Skin pollutants left overnight can cause yeast build-up that can result in redness and scaling.
