As an avid beauty shopper who always does her research, I thought I had perfected my skincare routine. I built a five-step regimen of cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer — done twice a day, every day. So when I noticed my skin looking dull and dried out and couldn’t figure out why, I turned to an expert to find out where I was going wrong. And it turns out that I was overdoing it with washing my face.
According to Rashida Hassanali, PA-C of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, N.J., it is absolutely possible to over-wash your face, “And the consequences can be just as problematic as not washing your face enough.” She explains to In The Know by Yahoo that you can strip the face of natural oils and compromise your skin barrier if you over-wash.
“Listen to your skin,” Hassanali advises. “If you are cleansing too often or with the wrong products, your skin will let you know via breakouts, dryness or irritation.”
Not every skin type needs cleansing twice a day. Hassanali explains that while everyone should wash in the evenings, every skin type has different needs regarding how often and when. Those with oily or combination skin should use cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and impurities that can cause oil buildup or breakouts, and those with dryer or more sensitive skin might want to skip the cleanser in the mornings and just rinse with water.
Plus, there is a right and wrong way to cleanse your face. Hassanali says that, in total, cleansing shouldn’t take any longer than 30 to 45 seconds. She instructs, “First, wet your skin and hands to allow the product to better activate. Use fingertips to apply the cleanser and use circular motions to build up a nice lather starting from the forehead and working downwards towards the chin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with a moisturizer.”
Once you figure out the cleansing cadence for you, the next step is using the correct product type. You may risk stripping essential oils and moisture if you use a cleanser that’s not quite right for your skin type. Scroll down for Hassanali’s suggestions for each type of skin.
1. The best cleanser for oily skin: Gel-based cleansers like Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, $34
2. The best cleanser for dry skin: Cleansing oil like Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil, $15.27
3. The best cleanser for sensitive skin: Fragrance-free cleansers like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $11.87
4. The best cleanser for acne-prone skin: Cleansers with salicylic acid like Murad Clarifying Cleanser, $14
1. The best cleanser for oily skin: Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, $34
Gel-based cleansers are beneficial to oily skin, which is why we love this one by Glow Recipe. It’s made with blueberry extract and hyaluronic acid to nourish skin and gently exfoliate to clean.
2. The best cleanser for dry skin: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil, $15.27
Hassanali told us that people with dry skin should reach for either cleansing lotions or oils that deliver moisture while cleaning. This oil by Burt’s Bees does exactly that, leaving your skin feeling smoother and cleaner.
3. The best cleanser for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $11.87
Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers are the best options for anyone with sensitive skin, and this one by Cetaphil checks both of those boxes. Plus, it uses hydrating ingredients that protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
4. The best cleanser for acne-prone skin: Murad Clarifying Cleanser, $14
Hassanali recommends those with acne-prone skin opt for salicylic acid cleansers because it’s known to treat and prevent acne. This one by Murad has two types of salicylic acid that help dissolve oil, purify pores, clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts.
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The post My dermatologist told me to stop over-washing my face and do this instead appeared first on In The Know.
My dermatologist told me to stop over-washing my face and do this instead
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