5 mistakes you're making when washing your face!

I thought it could be fun to share some of the common mistakes you're possibly making when it comes to washing your face:

1. Not washing your hands before your start with your cleansing routine. Most people start off by splashing water to wet their skin and immediately go onto applying their face wash into their hands then cleansing.The hands harbour germs/bacteria from your everyday activities e.g. touching money, your laptop keyboard, phone etc.. which you you are possibly spreading all over your face.

♧ Always wash your hands with warm soapy water first before you start your cleansing routine. 

2. Not removing your makeup before cleansing. In a beauty space that allows so much variety for this function, from makeup removers, cleansing balms to micellar water.

♧Always make use of a precleanser if you wear makeup, it gently removes the makeup without the need to tug, pull, stretch and over manipulate the skin, more so around the delicate eye area.

3. Not using the correct cleanser to suit your skin type. There are different types of cleansers for a reason. Milky cleansers, gel cleansers etc..

♧Always read the label to ensure the cleanser you are choosing matches your skin type and concern.

4. Using the wrong temperature water. There are many schools of thought on this, but here is my take: hot water is not a good idea because it strips the skin of its natural oils and has the propensity to damage the blood vessels in the skin, leaving you with permanent redness issues. Cold water on the other end, does not effectively remove dirt and oils on the skin's surface. My recommendation

♧ Always use luke warm water as it will clean away dirt and oils effectively, without stripping the skin of its natural oils or compromising it's barrier function.

5. Not choosing the right exfoliator and using it correctly. The skin is conditioned to shed dead skin cells on a daily basis, therefore over exfoliating or using abrasive exfoliators is not a good idea. It could lead to things like sensitivity, breakouts, oiliness etc. There are a variety of exfoliate available, from fruit acids, enzymes, gentle mechanical exfoliate, facial brushes.. 

♧ choose your exfoliator based on your skin type and use it based on the number of times recommended accordingly.

It's the small things that make a big difference to the results you are getting with your skincare products and routines. There are many other small changes e.g. parting the skin dry versus rubbing, I would love to hear some of your tips so please share down below.