Prevent These Typical Mistakes When Cleansing Your Face That Can Give You an Aged Appearance.
Skincare is a unique and individual process for everyone. Some people have meticulous beauty routines, while others barely have any routine. Improper face washing can cause premature skin aging, regardless of your skincare routine. We spoke with Dr. Manish Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert from Denver, Colorado. He advises patients on cosmetic procedures, maintaining results, optimizing skincare, and preventative measures. Dr. Shah stresses the importance of a good skincare routine to prevent premature aging, in addition to treatments like injectables and surgery.
“If you are doing any of the following things, you might be washing your face incorrectly:”
Is it possible that you are using too much toner?
Facial toners are an essential part of a skincare routine. However, excessive toner use can dry out the skin and may even increase sebum production as the glands try to overcompensate. If your skin feels tight or irritated after applying toner, you may use too much, especially if you have sensitive or combination skin. Some toners come in spray bottles, which are great for applying a light layer of toner after cleansing. If not, pour a few drops of toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face.
It is best to avoid toners that contain alcohol-based ingredients, such as denatured alcohol. These ingredients can dry and strip the skin of the natural oils necessary to maintain healthy, moisturized skin.
It is advisable to avoid using products that may be too harsh on your skin or hair. This can help prevent any adverse reactions or damage caused by these products.
As consumers become more knowledgeable about skincare, they often inquire about powerful ingredients like retinol. Consult a credible doctor to determine whether you need prescription retinol or an over-the-counter form. The most potent retinoid isn’t always the best option.
Dr. Shah explains that less active forms of retinol will have similar effects without irritating the skin as much, which will be helpful over time.
Scrubbing too hard
Instead of rubbing and scrubbing your face to try to get it squeaky clean, your motions with your cleanser should be as gentle as possible. Your hands should not be doing all the work! Scrubbing the skin too harshly or with materials that add exfoliation can cause micro-tears in the skin and excessive elimination of essential oils, which leave the skin dry.
Over exfoliating
While gently exfoliating a few nights a week can do wonders for the skin, it’s easy to go overboard. What keeps your skin looking fresh, young, and hydrated is preserving the outer layers’ glow by lightly helping it shed old skin cells and moisturizing it to help cell turnover. However, “the danger is that many people don’t consider their loofah or washcloth an exfoliation tool. Even if you are only using an exfoliant a few days a week, if you are scrubbing with a harsher material every day, you could be exfoliating more than you intend, and that can cause dryness, red patches, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation,” warns Dr. Shah.
Washing with hot water
Though it might feel good, using hot water to cleanse your face can dehydrate it. Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils and leaving it dry and flaky. This can also lead to acne flare, breakouts, and skin irritation. For best results, rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water – not cold either – to help constrict blood vessels. Dr. Shah also points out that “hot water enlarges your pores, and this can affect the oil production of the skin as well as the texture of it.”
Washing more than twice a day
You may be thinking, the cleaner, the better, right? Think again. Overwashing damages natural skin protection and leads to early aging signs like dry patches and fine lines. “As a general rule of thumb, you should not wash your face more than twice daily. If you have an activity like working out or an outdoor sport in the middle of the day, try to use a bland soap or cleanser to wash away dirt and sweat without further irritating the skin,” advises Dr. Shah.
Forgetting to follow up with a moisturizer
“The best time to apply moisturizer is after the shower or after applying toner. This will help prevent excessive dryness and help skin retain moisture,” says Dr. Shah. Moisturizers also combine vitamins and lipids that help the skin heal irritations, strengthen its protective functions, and look smoother and healthier.
I was washing with whatever soap was available.
Many people are guilty of this one. Using hand soap to wash your face can damage your skin and cause premature aging. Soaps with fragrances can be incredibly irritating to the skin. Overall, these soaps are not made for the face. Minimalist hand soaps can dehydrate your skin and lack the ingredients for optimal complexion.
About the Expert:
Dr. Manish Shah
Dr. Manish Shah is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed his medical training at the University of Virginia. He completed a five-year General and Trauma Surgery training program at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. Later, he finished his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Shah also completed a prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital.
Dr. Shah specializes in facial and breast aesthetic surgery, including nose reshaping. He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, teaching cosmetic surgery to plastic surgery residents. He is a past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. He also maintains a private Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery practice in Cherry Creek.
Dr. Shah is a plastic surgeon and a member of various prestigious societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Rhinoplasty Society.
Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
