I’m a dermatologist – this is how you wash your face WRONG

A dermatologist has uncovered the mistake most people make when washing their face.

It’s something you’ll probably be doing without realizing it, just in the shower or at the end of the day.

1

But apparently washing your face every day is bad for your skin.

It can actually do more harm than good, especially if you’re battling acne or oily skin.

dermatologist dr Eva Melegh outlined the five reasons why it can be a hindrance rather than a help.

It doesn’t help against fat

People with acne produce more sebum.

This is an oily, waxy substance that coats and moisturizes your skin and is actually very important in keeping skin healthy.

dr Melegh said: “Washing your face more frequently with cleansers and solvents, which are often found in face washes and cleansers for oily skin, removes the natural oils from the skin’s surface, making it drier and often causing the body to dry out produces even MORE sebum to compensate.

“Facial cleansing with a non-comedogenic facial cleansing oil followed by a gentle exfoliation every 1-2 days is better than daily washing with facial washes that aim to dissolve oil.”

It doesn’t stop stains

Excess sebum isn’t the cause of acne, so washing your face every day won’t address the root cause.

The real problem is the oxidation of sebum when it is near the skin’s surface.

It mixes with air and bacteria, causing it to become “rancid,” causing clogs and inflammation, which in turn causes stains.

So you need to prevent the sebum from oxidizing instead of washing it away every day.

dr Melegh said: “If the sebum is allowed to flow freely and isn’t constantly being washed away, the body will gradually regulate itself and start producing less sebum.

“The paradox is often that people with oily skin and acne will immediately start washing their skin more, which in turn increases sebum production.

“Cleansing the skin once a day with a gentle exfoliating scrub followed by a sebum cleansing serum is a better way to control sebum production and prevent the formation of pimples and acne – give it a try Clarol Sebopure.”

It can make red skin worse

If you suffer from rosacea and sensitivity, wash your face using water can actually aggravate the condition.

Water contains chlorine and if you have very sensitive skin prone to rosacea this can cause reddening of the skin.

dr Melegh added: “But just as important is the temperature difference between using warm and cold water to wash your face, which can also trigger a rosacea rash due to the vasodilation of blood cells beneath the skin’s surface.

“A water-free cleansing with a moisturizing cleansing cream for very sensitive skin is much more beneficial for skin prone to redness and rosacea than daily facial cleansing.”

It removes good bacteria

Washing your face every day can remove good bacteria and then make dry skin even drier.

The good bacteria that protect and nourish the skin barrier that keeps bad bacteria out and locks in moisture and prevents dehydration.

dr Melegh said: “The skin barrier is crucial to keep the skin hydrated and supple. People who are prone to eczema often have a genetically determined skin barrier function.

“So killing off the good skin bacteria that help repair a damaged or compromised skin barrier is only going to make things worse.

“If you suffer from dry skin, washing your face every day can lead to even more dryness.”

It can aggravate open pores

dr Melegh explained: “Open pores and blackheads can be genetic, as well as a lack of elasticity and collagen production in the skin itself.

“Removing essential skin oils through daily facial cleansing can make skin less elastic and leave pores more open.”

She said it’s better to gently exfoliate every two to three days if you have normal skin, or every one to two days if you have oily skin.

This cleans the pores but keeps the skin hydrated.