Are you making these face cleansing mistakes?

With the amount of work we put our faces through, it pays to make sure we’re cleansing it effectively. But it’s surprising how badly we wash our faces on a daily basis.

Are you making these face cleansing mistakes? (Thanks to Self.com)

Mistake #1: Forgetting to wash your face before bed

Washing your face at night is a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to caring for your skin, and it holds true even if you don’t wear makeup. During the day, natural oils and sweat accumulate on the skin. We are exposed to the environment, which means that dirt and pollution build up on our outer skin layer. Not removing all of this dirt and gunk at the end of the day can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and acne breakouts.

Mistake #2: Skipping the A.M. cleanse

You might think cleansing your skin before bed is all you need to wake up fresh-faced, but another rinse in the morning is a good idea. Germs from your pillowcase can move to your face as you sleep. But even if you wash your pillowcases often, an A.M. cleanse is best practice. While you’re tossing and turning at night, bacteria from your saliva and oils from your hair are easily transferred to your face and eyes.

Mistake #3: Turning up the water temperature too high

Hot water is no friend to your skin, especially an area as sensitive as your face. It might feel good in the shower or when you just came in from a cold winter day, but you’re messing with the way your skin protects itself and possibly causing damage. Extreme temperatures, such as hot, steamy showers or hot water, can cause dilation of blood vessels and breakage of delicate tissue. Further, the hot water naturally strips skin of the necessary oil barrier that helps maintain skin integrity. This means your skin will dry out faster and become more itchy and flaky over time. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your face.

Mistake #4: Using your face cleanser to remove makeup

You probably know the perils of falling asleep with a full face of makeup (i.e. acne and dullness). Another thing to note: Your cleanser shouldn’t double as your makeup remover. Many makeup brands are smudgeproof or waterproof, so basic cleansers will not remove them thoroughly. For this reason, it’s important to use a gentle makeup removing wipe, micellar water, or oil-based makeup remover before you wash—especially when removing long-wear makeup.

Mistake #5: Using ONLY a makeup wipe to clean your face

Cleaning your face with a cleansing cloth is not good enough, experts warn. The cloths are formulated with many preservatives that allow them to be shelf-stable and sit in your bathroom without growing bacteria and fungus. Although they remove makeup and dirt, they also leave behind a residue. Use them first to remove makeup if needed, then rinse away residue and residual oils and bacteria with a gentle cleanser.

Gatineau Gentle Silk Toner – Lotion Tonique Soyeuse is a toning lotion for sensitive skin and an alcohol-free toner designed to remove all traces of cleanser whilst respecting the skin’s pH and moisture levels. Formulated with soothing extracts of Silk and Cotton, pores are refined and the skin is left feeling refreshed and radiant. This is toner which is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive.

How to use:
Use morning and evening. Pour onto two cotton wool pads, lightly sweep the toner over your face and neck and then pat skin dry. For best results use after our Gentle Silk Cleanser.

Active ingredients:

• Silk Extracts: Promote cell regeneration and improve elasticity.
• Cotton Extracts: Leave the skin soft and comfortable.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Nourishes and softens the skin.