There's nothing easier than doing the dishes, right? Well, you might be surprised how often people get it wrong and irritate their skin in the process.
In fact, "there are many misconceptions about washing the face", said the doctor. Shari Lipner, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Weil Cornell Medical Center, TODAY. "And I think some people overdo it and that can damage the skin," she said.
Washing your face is an important step in your daily skin care routine, but it's important to do it right and use products that are right for your skin. How to clean properly, according to experts.
Wash your face regularly.
Our skin changes every few weeks. Emily Newsome, UCLA Health Board Certified Dermatologist, TODAY.
She explained that skin cells are always breaking down, which can clog pores. This, combined with sweat, environmental exposure, cosmetics and skin care products can make skin look dirty. It can aggravate skin conditions like acne.
"In our daily life, we are exposed to dirt and bacteria that land on our face. That's why it's important to wash your face regularly," says Lipner.
As experts have previously explained, for many people it means washing their face once in the morning and once in the evening. But for some people (especially those with dry skin), once a day, usually in the evening, is enough, Lipner said.
But you should also wash your face after sweating, he adds.
But don't wash your face too often .
Yes, you should wash your face at least once a day, but be careful not to accidentally overdo it.
"If you wash your face too often, you lose the natural oils and fats, which allows bacteria to enter the skin and cause inflammation and infection," explains Lipner.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face no more than twice a day and when you sweat. If you find that washing your face often makes your skin feel dry, inflamed, or tight, that's a sign you can cut back.
Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
Simplicity is the name of the game here. Almost everyone should choose a gentle, fragrance-free, alcohol-free face cleanser, Lipner says.
Dermatologists may recommend that people with acne or other skin conditions use a medicated face wash, such as one containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, experts said. If you use these cleansers, you can also leave them on your face for a few minutes to get the most out of them, according to Newsom. (But be aware that it can cause irritation, so only do this if your skin can handle it, she says.)
And while you may be tempted to use facial scrubs, they shouldn't be a daily wash, says Newsom. " It looks like it'll clean you up," he said, but the scrub can be tough.
Wash your face with cold or lukewarm water.
We recommend starting by wetting your face to activate the cleanser. And for that, you need to use warm water, not hot, Lipner said.
"If you use very hot water, it can strip the oil from your skin," she explains, which can damage the skin's protective barrier and expose it to bacteria and irritation.
On the other hand, if you want, you can use colder water. "I don't think most people will find it too comfortable, but you can use it if you want to," Lipner said.
Apply the product with your fingertips.
Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and gently rub it into the skin, Lipner said. You should start at the top of your face from your forehead to your nose and cheeks (avoiding your eyes) and then down to your chin, she said.
"You're going to use circular motions," Lipner said, "and you don't want to rub the skin because rubbing can irritate the skin."
For this reason, Newsom advises against the use of motorized brushes for cleaning leather. "If you want to do it, maybe limit it to once a week," Newsom said. Lipner admitted that motorized toothbrushes "probably do more harm than good" if used regularly.
Wash your face with water and pat dry.
After using the cleanser completely, wash the product off your face with water. You should also use warm water for this step.
Then, experts recommend drying the skin with a clean, soft towel.
"If you rub the skin, it irritates it," Lipner said. "That way, light strokes with a soft towel are enough not to irritate the skin."
Apply moisturizer.
Start by cleansing your skin and complete the rest of your skin care routine. Make sure to use moisturizer in the morning and sunscreen daily, according to Newsom.
This article originally appeared on TODAY.com