A study by skincare brand Cerave found that 55 percent of respondents either over-wash or under-wash their faces, while 42 percent use only water to cleanse.
Dermatology and aesthetics nurse Emma Coleman explains the most common mistakes people make when it comes to skincare, as reported by The Sun.
1. Using Dirty Washcloths
One of the worst things you can do for your skin is using a dirty washcloth.
“If you leave your cloth hanging in the bathroom for days between uses, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria,” warns Emma Coleman.
She recommends washing washcloths in the washing machine every other use and rinsing them thoroughly with hot water after each use.
2. Using the Wrong Water Temperature
“Using overly hot water encourages thread veins to appear and can flare up acne and rosacea,” Coleman explains.
On the other hand, washing with cold water can lead to dryness.
“Instead, aim for lukewarm water,” she advises.
3. Being Too Harsh on Your Skin
Washing your face shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or painful.
“Rubbing your face too hard can cause irritation and disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria on the skin’s surface,” says Coleman.
Instead, she recommends splashing lukewarm water over your face and using gentle circular motions if applying a cloth, rather than pulling or tugging on the skin.
4. Hard Water Issues
Water quality isn’t something you can easily control, but hard water can negatively affect your skin.
“If you live in an area with hard water, the high levels of minerals like calcium can worsen eczema and lead to dry skin,” Coleman explains.
To combat this, she suggests applying an emollient while washing to help lock in moisture.
5. Overwashing Your Face
Yes, there is such a thing as washing your face too much.
“One to two washes per day is more than enough to keep your skin clean. Overwashing can irritate and disrupt your skin’s microbiome,” Coleman warns.
Final Thoughts
Skincare mistakes are easy to make, but small adjustments—like using clean washcloths, lukewarm water, and gentle cleansing techniques—can make a big difference in maintaining healthy skin.
This article is based on information from Pensionist og The Sun.