How to Cleanse your Face and Use a Cleanser – 5 Common Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid

We all know cleansing our face is arguably the most important step in any beauty routines, especially if we wear make-up on a regular basis. However, many of us are tempted to skip this step in favour of quicker and easier methods, such as using make-up remover wipes or toner solutions (even baby wipes when we’re in a hurry). But this is one of the 5 common mistakes you make when you cleanse your face. That’s because wipes tend to have a high alcohol content and can dry out your skin, especially the delicate skin around your eyes. Read further and find out what other face cleansing mistakes you make and how to rectify them.

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Have a regular Skin Routine to Cleanse Your Face

A good cleanser and a consistent cleansing routine should not be underestimated as part of your skincare routine.

Of course, most of us do not always stick to cleansing our face properly every morning and every night. But when possible, we should opt for a good quality cleanser rather than cleansing wipes or similar products. (Check out our monthly specials or ask about our affordable cosmeceutical ranges to suit most budgets.)

Many of us will also have different approaches when it comes to cleansing our faces. For some, it may be an afterthought. For others, it may be a 10-step process with a variety of cleansers, exfoliators and face cloths used in the process. Whatever your approach, it probably hasn’t changed much over the years. So chances are you haven’t realised the common mistakes we make when it comes to facial cleansing.

Mistake #1 – The Water is Too Hot (Or Too Cold)

One of the biggest secrets to effective face cleansing is to use gentle steam when available; but not too hot! You should aim for warm-to-hot water that isn’t so hot that it will burn your skin or dry out your skin.

It may be quicker to turn on the tap and splash cold water on your face; but if you are wanting to get the most out of your cleansing routine, you should try to wash your face with warm water.

After cleansing with warm water and a quality cleanser, use a WASHCLOTH / FACE WASHER to take the cleanser off your skin (gently).
If you simply rinse your face with water, without a washer, the cleanser may remain on your skin (along with what you were intending to wash off of your face).
You can also let the warm washer rest on your face for a short period to encourage the release of debris (dead skin cells, pollution) in your pores.

If this is the end of your cleansing routine, finish with a splash of cool (not freezing!) water to help calm your skin and close your pores; otherwise pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser or acne-spot treatments straight away whilst your pores are freshly cleaned and stimulated from the steam and warm water.

Mistake #2 – Using Too Many Cleansing Products

Using too many different cleansing and exfoliating products on your skin can be just as bad as not cleansing your face at all. With the overwhelming amount of skin products on the market today, it can be easier than expected to splurge a little too much on skin care products that we don’t necessarily need.

The use of too many products can wear down the skin’s barrier function and cause surface dryness on your skin.
Active products can cause your skin to react (some products should NOT be used together or sequentially – ask your Dermal Clinician for advice on how to use your products in the best way possible).
Although it is recommended to cleanse your face daily, you do NOT need to exfoliate every day.
Nor should you use an exfoliant scrub, acidic gel, strong serum or chemical peel too closely together without specific advice of your Dermal Clinician.

If you’re too zealous in your exfoliation, then it may be time to scale back your cleansing routine and use exfoliating or resurfacing products on a weekly or fortnightly basis, rather than every second day.

OUR TIP: Instead of using a variety of different products, it is often best to invest in a good-quality cleanser that suits your skin type and can be used daily – and seek expert skincare advise for exfoliation products as each skin type requires a specific type for best results.

At Coco Ruby, we stock a variety of Cosmeceutical Skincare products with a number of ranges to suit all skin types. Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality skincare – our ranges are very effective AND affordable.

Mistake #3 – Using Harsh Exfoliators

Exfoliating is an important step in any beauty routine. But it is very important that we do not go overboard when exfoliating and chose our products wisely. Cheap exfoliation products can be particularly harsh and damaging to your skin. Harsh exfoliation products can remove the protective barrier on your skin. These can also damage underlying tissues and expose the skin to bacteria invasion as well as skin sores or other unwanted skin reactions.

Over-exfoliating can easily cause redness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Nut exfoliating products, or those with thick, sharp beads tend to do more harm than good to our skin, causing irritation and in some cases, skin tearing.
It may help to choose an exfoliator consisting of round, small and gritty beads – but apply to your face with care.
Let the product do the work, not the scrubbing! Hint: Be gentle with exfoliation solutions.
You should aim to exfoliate your face once to twice a week, to avoid irritation or stripping of the natural oils your skin needs to stay supple and in balance.

OUR TIP: If you are unsure about your current exfoliating or cleansing routine, it may be best to talk to a professional to determine what skin type you have and which cosmeceutical product lines which will work best for you.

Our highly skilled Dermal Clinicians perform Skin Consultations for clients to determine their skin needs and plan at-home skincare routines that will combat any of your skin issues.

Mistake #4 – Using Medicated Cleansers on your Entire Face

This is mostly an issue for those with blemish-prone skin. If you have blemishes on a certain area of your faces such as your forehead or chin, yet you use a medicated cleanser all over (e.g., one with ingredients such as salicylic acid), then you are likely to cause severe skin dryness.

Instead, use the medicated cleanser where it is needed, but make sure you keep the rest of your skin hydrated with a more gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

But for reactive skin that is prone to acne, a dedicated program followed consistently over time is likely to keep your skin its clearest. Ask for a thorough skincare consultation with a Dermal Clinician, who has expertise in treating acne, including in-clinic treatments to improve your skin and reduce breakouts.

Mistake #5 – Lazy Cleansing vs Double Cleansing

We all fall victim to being lazy sometimes when it comes to our skincare. Although when it comes to facial cleansing, it is well worth the extra effort. And if you are taking off a lot of makeup, then you probably need to double cleanse.

Failing to remove makeup, dirt or bacteria that builds up throughout the day can cause a variety of skin problems including stretched or clogged pores and pimples and blackheads.
After a special event or night out where you may wear more makeup than usual, you should definitely look to double cleanse your skin to ensure all your makeup is removed and your skin can breathe.

Your skin will thank you in the end!

Want Some Advice about how to Cleanse Your Face Properly?

Think that a few of these mistakes sound all too familiar and want some professional skin advice on how to cleanse your face?

Visit our Shop to find cleansers.

Book a consultation with one of our highly skilled Dermal Clinicians. Learn more about our dermal clinician team or give us all a call on (03) 8849 1400.

How to Cleanse Your Face and Use a Cleanser