Gone are the days when face cleansing was the simplest part of skincare, overshadowed by fancy moisturisers and potent serums. Nowadays, thanks to so many skincare trends out there, the spotlight has shifted to the once-humble face cleanser. The cleansing routine has evolved from a single step to elaborate double cleansing as well. Cleansers now come in a wide variety ranging from gentle face washes to clay forms too. However, with so much excitement and enthusiasm, chances are how you wash your face is often overlooked. Here’s how to tell if you are overwashing your face.
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How Many Times Should I Wash My Face?
Washing your face at least once a day is crucial for all skin types to remove the day's accumulation of dirt, makeup, and oils. Washing your face twice a day, however, is the best face washing technique. This will eliminate pollutants and irritants that can cling to the skin even during sleep, pointing out indoor pollution and the buildup from pillowcases. A practical approach is to adjust based on your skin's needs: if you wake up to dry or flaky skin, use a hydrating face wash. More frequent washing might only be needed in special circumstances, like after a swim or an intense workout, to remove irritants like saltwater or sweat.
Signs Of Overwashing
Overwashing your face can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a range of issues that can compromise your skin's health and appearance. Here are key signs that you might be overwashing your face:
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Dryness and Flakiness: If your skin feels parched and you notice flaky patches, it's a clear indicator that your cleansing routine might be stripping too much moisture from your skin.
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Tightness: A feeling of tightness or skin that feels uncomfortably taut after washing can suggest that your cleanser is too harsh for your skin type or that you're cleansing too frequently.
- Your Skin Becomes Oily: Ironically, overwashing can lead to an increase in oil production. If your skin starts to appear oilier than usual, it might be a response to the removal of natural oils, prompting your skin to overcompensate.
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Acne Breakouts: While it might seem counterintuitive, overwashing can exacerbate acne problems. The irritation and disruption of the skin's barrier can lead to an increase in breakouts.
- Dull skin: Healthy skin has a natural glow, but overwashing can lead to a dull, lackluster skin as the skin's surface becomes dehydrated and the natural process of cell turnover is disrupted.
How To Prevent Overwashing Your Face?
Alleviating the effects of over-washing involves adopting a gentler approach to your skincare routine to help restore your skin's natural balance. Start by switching to a mild, hydrating cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals and designed for your specific skin type. Our Kickstart Cleanser is made with Salicylic acid and Thymol T essence. These actives work diligently on your skin, cleaning your face from all sorts of environmental aggressors. Other than that, this face wash also prevents any future breakouts
Reduce the frequency of your washes—once in the evening to remove the day's buildup is often sufficient, with a simple rinse in the morning using just water or a very light cleanser if necessary. Incorporate products with hydrating and soothing ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides etc. to help replenish moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier. Also, give your skin a break from exfoliating agents until it regains its equilibrium.
Remember, your skin's needs can change with the seasons, your lifestyle, and age, so listen to it and adjust your routine accordingly to maintain its health.
Rules Of Washing Of Your Face
1. Say No To Hot Water
Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for lukewarm water instead to cleanse your face gently without causing damage.
2. Don’t Replace Face Was With Micellar Water Or Toner
While micellar water and toner can be useful as additional steps in your skincare routine, they are not substitutes for a proper facial cleanser. These products may not effectively remove all dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin like a cleanser can.
3. Don’t Rub Your Skin
Be gentle when cleansing your face. Avoid harsh rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause irritation and damage to the skin's surface. Instead, use light, circular motions to cleanse and massage the skin.
4. Use A Clean Towel
Always pat your face dry with a clean towel after washing. Avoid using towels that may harbour bacteria or irritants, and opt for a soft, clean cloth to gently blot your skin dry.
5. Don’t Skip On Moisturiser
After cleansing, it's essential to moisturise to help replenish moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Choose a moisturiser, like our Face Moisturiser with Niacinamide & SPF 25 PA+++ suitable for your skin type and apply it while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
6. Double Cleanse At Times
In certain situations, like when wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing can be beneficial. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and impurities, then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue.
7. Don’t Exfoliate Daily
While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, overdoing it can lead to irritation and damage. Limit exfoliation to a few times a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity, to avoid over-exfoliation. Opt for a gentle exfoliator like our Weekly Warrior Scrub to follow this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 What happens if you wash your skin too much?
A. Overwashing your skin can lead to dryness, irritation and a disrupted skin barrier. This can cause more oil production, acne breakouts, and make your skin more vulnerable to environmental damage.
Q:2 Is it safe to wash face 3 times a day?
A. Washing your face three times a day is generally excessive and not recommended. It can strip the skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Twice a day is sufficient for most people, unless you've been sweating heavily or have specific dermatological advice.
Q:3 Should I wash my face if it's oily?
A. Yes, you should wash an oily face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to manage oiliness without stripping the skin. Incorporating a mild exfoliant a few times a week can also help prevent clogged pores and reduce oiliness.
Q:4 How many times to wash face for oily skin?
A. For oily skin, wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening—to effectively manage oiliness without over-drying the skin.
