6 Common Face Washing Mistakes & How to Overcome Them

Common face-washing mistakes such as using the wrong cleanser or overlooking to cleanse before bed can lead to irritation, dryness, acne, and even wrinkles. Let’s read on further to find out face-washing mistakes and solutions to avoid major skin issues.

1. Using the Wrong Cleanser

The most vital aspect of a skincare routine is to opt for a perfect cleanser or face wash which isn’t concern by many people. Mostly face washes or cleansers are picked up randomly without considering their effects, however, it’s essential to understand different skin types and suitable products for healthy skin.

Among many common face-washing mistakes, using an incorrect cleanser is one that can lead to marks, spots, redness, and eventually, rashes and other issues. It’s also important to get a dermatologist’s advice for a suitable cleanser if you have any specific skin concerns. 

A perfect cleanser should remove dirt, dead cells, and makeup without removing natural oils from the skin. In case of using the wrong cleanser, the outcome can be reversed in the form of disturbing the ideal pH balance of 5.5, essential for protecting against contaminants.

Identifying Your Skin Type

Determining your skin type and selecting a face wash accordingly is vital in achieving healthy skincare habits. Cleansing not only removes impurities but also rectifies unique skin concerns. Some simple skin care tips can help you to find out your skin type.

If your skin is generally shiny, it’s most likely oily which produces excess sebum, resulting in enlarged pores, blackheads, and pimples. However, your skin is likely to dry if it feels stretched, tight, or flaky as it lacks water and natural oils leading to a rough texture.

You most likely have a combination skin if it feels stretched with a shiny T-zone as it contains features of both dry and oily areas, with varying textures and shine. Moreover, if your skin reacts to external factors, most probably your skin is sensitive. Lastly, you have the typical/normal skin type if it feels naturally comfortable and hydrated and has a balanced texture.

Types of Cleansers According to Skin Type

Identifying your skin type leads to the next step, i.e., picking the correct face wash. Mild gel-based cleansers are ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin as they cleanse deeply. An exfoliating cleanser has ingredients for oil control and acne prevention such as Retinol, and Salicylic Acid like Vince’s Oil Control Face Wash contains Salicylic Acid which helps in deep cleansing oily skin to get clean and smooth skin.

Moisturizing face washes and creamy formulas suit you if you have dry skin. Opt for a hydrating cleanser that is rich in Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Sodium PCA such as Vince’s Hydra Face Wash incorporates Sodium PCA to include stronger hydrating properties to help maintain smooth, hydrated, and moisturized skin.

Use foaming gel-based and creamy cleansers if you have a normal or a combination skin type as they effectively remove excess oil for instance Vince’s Lemon Face Wash removes excess oil and helps to unveil fresh, moist, and clean skin.

2. Overlooking Proper Hygiene (Hands & Towel)

Another cleansing mistake is ignoring hygiene before and after face wash. Cleaning your hands before washing your face is vital as it ensures hygiene and prevents contaminants from entering your delicate facial skin. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hands before washing your face to maintain healthy and clean skin.

Always ensure your hands are free of germs and dirt before touching your face, as neglecting this step can lead to common skin problems such as acne, pimples, and blackheads.

The ideal skincare solution after washing the face is to use a clean towel to dry the face. Ideally, it is best practice to replace the towel every few days, you use to dry your face to keep bacteria away from attacking your face. Doing this might be challenging for some people but it is important to do so.

Once you’re done washing your face, prefer to pat dry it instead of rubbing, it to avoid complications. Leaving water dripping on your face to hydrate more, doesn’t work, when the water evaporates, it could lead to dryness.

3. Using Excessive Hot or Cold Water

In common face-washing mistakes, water temperature is another artifact that is used incorrectly. When it comes to the water that you splash on your face, opt for lukewarm or room temperature water as hot water leaves your skin dry as it washes away the skin’s essential oils; and cold water can break the capillaries (fine blood vessels) of your skin.

However, mild or lukewarm water keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. Hence, it’s also an important aspect of your skincare routine to avoid using excessive hot or cold water.

4. Washing and Exfoliating Your Face

The assumed face-washing solutions can turn into mistakes if you overdo them. Overwashing your face can potentially harm your skin as it might wipe away essential oils from your facial skin along with toxins. 

Dermatologists recommend that you should ideally wash your face twice daily. The perfect face-washing duration can be 20-30 seconds to purify your skin.

Although exfoliation is a good habit for removing dead skin cells, it’s also important to avoid overdoing it. Recurring exfoliation of facial skin can cause roughness and rashes on your face. However, it is recommended that don’t exfoliate more than twice a week.

Carefully choose an exfoliating product that contains soft and gentle ingredients for exfoliating your face such as Vince’s Whitening Scrub Face Wash softly eliminates contaminants through deep cleansing, exfoliates dead skin cells, and makes your skin smooth, soft, and even looking.

Buy Whitening Scrub Face Wash By VINCE

5. Neglecting a Toner

The most neglected product in the skincare routine is Toner. After face wash, mostly missed but vital item is toner as it helps in rebalancing your skin. Toners are light and liquid formulas usually used to reset your skin’s pH, so it can protect from bacteria and harm. Look for a product that can repair and reset your skin perfectly well as Vince’s Lightening Toner repairs the look of uneven skin texture, and roughness to create a fresh look.

6. Neglecting Your Face Moisturizer

In addition to toning, make sure to apply moisturizer to help your skin stay moisturized. Many of you avoid using a moisturizer after washing your face which can dry and harm your facial skin. It is equally important to wash your face as it is to moisturize it after washing. It’s time to make a change to adopt a proper skincare routine, to apply moisturizer after a face wash.

Amazingly, it goes well with all skin types such as Vince’s Multi-Level Moisturizing Cream contains hydrating properties to make the skin soft and comfortable due to its non-greasy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the most common face-washing mistakes?

Common face-washing mistakes include using the wrong cleanser, excessive hot/cold water neglecting hygiene, and not using toner and moisture.

Q2. How often should I wash my face?

Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice daily is ideal. Spend about 20-30 seconds massaging cleanser into your skin to thoroughly cleanse without overdoing it.

Q3. What happens if you use the wrong face wash?

The wrong face wash can disturb your skin's balance, leading to issues such as dryness, irritation, breakouts, redness, and other skin reactions, making it essential to pick a suitable product for your skin type.

Q4. Can over-washing my face cause skin problems?

Yes, over-washing your face can wash away natural oils, leading to skin issues like dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. It can also damage the skin's natural protectors, resulting in breakouts and other skin issues.

Q5. Is it necessary to use a toner after washing my face?

Although toners are not essential for all skin types they are beneficial, especially for oily skin as they help rebalance your skin's pH and remove any remaining impurities.