Every few weeks we like to don our myth buster caps and put the kibosh on some of the rumors that circulate about your skin. We’ve gone over the myth that you only need sunscreen when it’s sunny out, and the myth that only teenagers can get acne. This week, we’re going back to basics and breaking down some common misconceptions about washing your face. Even the most routine skincare regimen can have some fallacies surrounding it, and they could be hindering your skin’s potential to look its best. 

 

First up on the chopping block is the myth that it’s good to wash your face with hot water. It might seem like hot water would be the most effective for opening up your pores and cleaning out dirt but in actuality, it could do more harm than good. Hot water dries out your skin and could lead to irritation. Instead of hot, opt for warm. The elevated temperature will still open your pores and cleanse them effectively, but it won’t strip away the natural oils in your skin like hot water will.

 

Another myth we’ve heard one too many times is that there is no such thing as washing your face too frequently. Right? Wrong. Similarly to the effects of using water that’s too hot, washing your face too many times each day can irritate and dry out your skin. The right number of washes varies based on your skin type, but here’s a quick breakdown: if your skin is naturally on the dry side, you’re probably better off washing your face 1-2 times a day. If your skin is oily and more acne-prone, you can safely bump it up to 2-3 times a day. If you’re unsure, go off of how your skin feels. If it starts to feel dried out, simply pare back a bit!

 

Along that same vein, there is the issue of scrubbing. We get it, when your face feels dirty it’s easy to reach for a wash cloth and scrub away at your skin as hard as you can. But this, too, can cause a ton of irritation and ultimately be extremely harmful. If you scrub with a washcloth too frequently, the constant manual exfoliation can lead to inflammation. Additionally, if your washcloth isn’t clean, you’re essentially rubbing bacteria into your skin. There are a few different routes you can go to remedy this: if you do use a washcloth, make sure that it is soft and clean, and that you’re not scrubbing too vigorously. Another option is to remove your makeup gently with a cotton pad and micellar water, and use your hands to cleanse the rest of your skin.

 

Finally, we sadly must debunk the myth that makeup wipes are effective. Yes, they will get your makeup off of your face. No, they will not do anything else beneficial. In fact, they tend to be more of a detriment than anything. There are a few schools of thought on this, all of which lead back to the fact that makeup wipes are a big fat no. One explanation is that makeup wipes contain chemicals that are too harsh on the skin and will throw off its natural pH. Another issue with makeup wipes is that the constant rubbing and irritation they take will eventually cause fine lines and can increase hyperpigmentation. Not to mention, they are terrible for the environment. All in all, you’re much better off with a double cleansing method.

 

Washing your face should be one of the simplest parts of your skincare routine, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of misconceptions surrounding it. Eliminating these myths, even just one by one, will lead to a healthier, and ultimately more effective, skincare regimen!