Regular face washing is a fundamental part of personal hygiene, but the messages are mixed on what works best.
Dermatologists clear up rumors about how, how often and with what you should wash your face.
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Personal hygiene is, of course, personal, but there are general rules about basic things like washing your face.
However, with so many beauty and skin care experts advising that one method is better than the next, it is easy to cross the threads. For example, in an interview with BuzzFeed in October 2017, Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Korean beauty brand Soko Glam, said that handwashing should not be part of your shower routine. The beauty gurus were shaken – and skeptical.
There are many myths about washing your face that needs to demystify as soon as possible. To help clarify this issue, INSIDER has contacted industry experts to share some of the most commonly discussed face washing theories.
Myth: You should not wash your face in the shower
Dr. Shasa Hu, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and co-founder of the BIALife Skin Care Advisory Service, said that Cho's statement "is a total myth".
"When you wash your face in the shower, the warm mist of the shower promotes deeper exfoliation and unclogs pores," said Hu. "As long as you do not use warm water or hard soap, washing your face while showering will save you time, save water and give you a cleanse. more in-depth to prepare your skin for the rest of your care routine. "
Myth: you should wash your face twice a day
Dr. Hadley King, a New York-based dermatologist, told INSIDER that washing your face twice a day depends on your skin type and what you need to wash.
For example, dry or sensitive skin types can be cleaned once in the evening, while oily skin may require you to clean them at least twice a day, King said. However, if you are doing a sweaty workout or wearing thick makeup, she recommends washing your face after the gym or before going to bed.
"Cleaning before bedtime is generally recommended not only for removing makeup, but also [to remove the] the dirt and pollution that builds up on our skin during the day, "said King.These particles, perhaps, can cause oxidative damage and contribute to the breakdown of collagen and wrinkles.
"If you use skin products that leave a trace or film on the skin during the night, you will probably want to clean your face in the morning as well," she added.
Read more: Your personal care routine can dry out your skin. Dermatologists share what could be blamed and how to moisturize.
Myth: Double cleaning with an oil and water based cleaner is necessary
When cleaning with an oil-based product, it is strongly recommended to follow up with a water-based cleanser, said Rachel Nazarian, dermatologist in New York. But if you wash your face first with a water based cleanser, you do not need a secondary process for it to be effective, did it? she declared.
"Oil-based cleansers may offer an advantage in removing some makeup or dirt products, but they should be finally rinsed with water-based cleaners to effectively remove any residues," he said. Nazarian. "A suitable water-based cleanser is ideal for all skin types."
Myth: Your products are only effective if your face feels a slight burn or a feeling of oppression after use
"No pain, no gain" does not apply to skin care, said Dr. Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of the clinical care brand DERMAdoctor. This is especially true when ingredients such as glycolic acid, which extracts dirt and debris from the skin, are buffered so that a slightly higher pH prevents users from getting burned.
"When the skin is burned or irritated by skincare ingredients, it disrupts the acid protective coat of the skin, which can lead to extra sensitivities of the skin and even to an infection of the skin," explained Kunin.
However, some prescription acids and retinoids may produce a mild burning sensation or peeling reaction until the skin is adapted, Hu added. "In general, these symptoms disappear as the active ingredient restores cell renewal," Hu said.
If you do not know if your skin's reaction to a product is normal, contact a dermatologist before continuing to use it.
The old body soap is not ideal for washing your face. Shutterstock
Myth: Washing your face with soap and water will suffice as a routine
"The ordinary soap is used for cleaning regular things, your skin is not regular," Nazarian said. Typical soaps will remove natural oils and natural moisturizers from your skin, which can "disrupt the pH of your skin and damage the skin's barrier." Report any dryness, irritation and possible moisture loss.
Instead, give your skin a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that provides deep cleansing and adapts to your unique complexion.
Myth: Rubbing is the best way to get a thorough cleanse
Contrary to popular belief, scrubbing with a washcloth or mechanical devices will not eradicate oils or makeup polymers on the surface of the skin, Hu said. In fact, mechanical scrubbers can cause "microscopic cracks" on the skin that may increase the risk of allergic reaction or skin irritation.
"Over time, your skin reacts to aggressive mechanical exfoliation by producing more sebum, which can lead to clogging," Hu said. "It then often becomes a vicious circle." If you need to scrub, she recommends using a soft chiffon cloth or spherical ball cleaners.
Myth: You are more prone to breakouts if you do not wash your face every day
Although maintaining a clean complexion definitely helps prevent rashes, there are other factors, such as genetics and hormones, that can cause acne.
"If you have oily skin and are prone to acne, then yes, you could have clogged pores and acne breakouts if you do not wash your face regularly," King said. "But if you are not particularly fat or prone to acne, do not wash your face every day is not likely to give you acne."
Myth: You should not use a washcloth to dry your face
Drying your face with a washcloth can be problematic in two situations: first, if the cloth is contaminated with bacteria, yeasts and fungi; and second, if the cloth is so abrasive, it causes irritation. However, King said, "If you use a soft, clean cloth and gently dry without rubbing, that should be fine."
Myth: Washing your face with a simple cleansing wipe at night will suffice
If you wear full face makeup during the day, use a makeup wipe, which should be the first – but not the only – step in your nighttime face wash routine.
"Cleansing wipes remove a lot of bacteria, dirt and oil, but also leave a trail of residue behind," Nazarian said. "This can potentially lead to acne and infected glands, especially around the eyelids and eyelashes.A proper facial cleansing requires a water-based rinse for deep cleansing."
Myth: It's not necessary to wash your hands before washing your face
Even if your hands do not look or are dirty, your hands are always in use, Hu said.
"Most people use their hands frequently for typing, phoning or driving," she said. Bacteria and chemicals on these surfaces can cause irritation or infection of the skin and eyes, especially in people prone to eczema.
So, if you want to minimize the risk of these problems, washing your hands before washing your face is a very important step.
Myth: You do not need to remove makeup before washing your face.
If you do not wear a lot of makeup throughout the day, some dermatologists will find that a cleanser can play a dual role: removing makeup. and clean the skin of dirt and debris. However, other people like Hu strongly recommend that make-up removal be the first step in your routine.
"Makeup contains pigments, preservatives, minerals and metals that can clog your pores for too long … and prevent the penetration of your skincare products," she explained. "It's essential to remove makeup as a first step in your nighttime routine."
Read more: A Victoria's Secret model follows a surprisingly simple skin care routine – and you can do it easily at home
Myth: Any cleanser for your skin type will work
Knowing your skin type – oily, dry or mixed – can point you in the right direction when shopping for cleansers. But if you have the desire (and money) of a more experienced person, using a unique cleanser for your body and a hormonal makeup may be worth it, Hu said.
"For example, people with rosacea-prone skin need gentle cleansers and should not use pearl-based cleansers because they will have more redness and irritation," she said. . Cleansers containing AHA / BHA may benefit from oily skin, prone to greasy stains, while dry skin may benefit from a mild lotion-based cleanser rather than d & rsquo; A foaming cleanser to avoid covering the skin with sebum, a natural oil.
"To further complicate matters, your cleanser should be compatible with the rest of your skin care routine," Hu said. For example, if you start taking a retinoid, you may want to go for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to minimize a problem called "retinoid dermatitis".
A dermatologist can help you choose the best skin care routine for your skin type, your budget and your lifestyle.
