Sometimes, the sudden appearance of zits and acne is enough to send us into a frenzy. People who are prone to acne take their skincare routine seriously by regularly washing their face. But have you ever thought that merely the way you wash your face could be reason enough to trigger skin problems?

Listed down are the most common face washing mistakes that you could be making

You Are Using Hot Water

Washing your face with hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils. This often leads to dryness and can also affect your complexion. It can dilate the blood vessels and capillaries under the skin, causing red and flushed skin. This is mostly common in people who suffer from rosacea or acne.

You Are Over-Exfoliating

Scrubbing isn’t always the answer. Although it is important to scrub once in a while to get rid of dead skin cells and improve cell turnover, remember not to go overboard. Each person has different skin and may react to products differently. Some people benefit from daily scrubbing, while others are okay doing it once or twice. You need to pay attention to the way your skin reacts and be gentle.

You Are Using The Wrong Cleanser

A good cleanser can have amazing effects on the skin, while a bad cleanser will subject you to various skin issues. Choosing a cleanser that is suitable for your skin is essential to avoid these issues. Select the cleanser that is formulated for your skin type and never experiment when it comes to skincare products. In fact, going to a skin expert for a recommendation is the best way to go about this.

If you have dry skin, look for a product that locks in hydration. For oily and acne-prone skin, it is advised to get a product that may include salicylic acid.

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You Are Forgetting The Neck

Often, people skip the neck area when washing their face. This is probably one of the reasons why the neck starts to show signs of aging faster. It is crucial to include your neck when cleansing or simply washing the face. Doctors recommend using the hands and massaging the face from the midline to the neck. It keeps the circulation going and improves the lymphatic system.

5. You Are Using A Dirty Washcloth

Using a clean and soft washcloth is critical to maintaining your skin health. We often make the mistake of washing the face with an unclean washcloth. Bacteria builds up and resides on a damp washcloth and when it comes in contact with your skin, it is more likely to result in breakouts and skin inflammation. Always use a freshly washed cloth that is soft to use on the skin. Do not, however, scrub your face with it. Use it gently to wipe your skin.

You Are Forgetting To Use A Moisturizer

Once you wash your face, you must follow up with a good moisturizer. Your face will be dry after washing and requires a moisturizer. This helps any fine lines or wrinkles from forming before time. This applies to all skin types, including oily. Use a moisturizer on damp skin in order to lock in the moisture.

7. You Are Incorrectly Applying The Cleanser

Yes, there is such a thing as applying a cleanser the wrong way. If you are using a lotion cleanser, you need to make sure your skin is completely dry and massage it in for some time. This gives it enough time to break down the oils on the skin. On the other hand, foam or gel cleansers should be applied on wet skin to avoid your skin drying out.