Finding the right facial cleansing routine is key to healthy skin. Over washing can strip away essential oils, leading to dryness and dehydration. I recommend a simple routine: cleanse morning and night. Avoid extra washes throughout the day whenever possible.
However, if you exercise, a midday cleanse is crucial to remove sweat and prevent breakouts. For these washes, opt for a gentle cleanser instead of your usual active one. After exercising, reapply your moisturiser. Skip serums during midday washes; they're best reserved for your morning and evening routines.
Remember, the goal is to keep your skin clean without disrupting its natural balance.
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Your skin is your body's largest organ, acting as a barrier against the elements, regulating temperature, and even producing essential vitamins. Taking care of it is vital for overall health and wellbeing. A key aspect of skincare is cleansing, which removes dirt, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. While keeping your skin clean is important, there can be such a thing as too much of a good thing. Over washing can disrupt the skin's natural balance, leading to a host of problems.
Don’t let this happen to you.
4 Signs Your Skin Might Be Over washed
How do you know if you're over washing your face? Here are some telltale signs:
- Tightness and dryness: This is a classic symptom of a compromised skin barrier. Your skin may feel tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing.
- Increased sensitivity: Does your skin sting or burn when you apply skincare products or come into contact with irritants? This could be a sign of over washing.
- Flaking and redness: Over washing can disrupt the skin's natural shedding process, leading to dryness, flakiness, and redness.
- Dullness and lack of radiance: Healthy skin has a natural glow. If your skin appears dull and lifeless, it could be due to over washing.
Maintenance: Skin Health Impacts Beauty
Before we go any further, and lest you think Austin Clinic is anti-cleanliness, let’s explore the benefits of maintaining a clean complexion:
Prevents breakouts: Dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can clog pores, creating the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Regular cleansing helps remove these pore cloggers, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
Reduces excess oil: Sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, helps keep skin hydrated. However, overproduction can lead to a greasy appearance and contribute to acne. Cleansing removes excess oil, keeping your skin looking and feeling refreshed.
Improves product absorption: When your skin is clean, it's better able to absorb the beneficial ingredients in moisturisers, serums, and other skincare products. This maximises the effectiveness of your skincare routine.
Protects from environmental damage: Pollutants, dust, and other environmental aggressors can irritate the skin and accelerate signs of ageing. Cleansing helps remove these irritants, keeping your skin healthy and protected.
Surprise! Cleanliness Can Be Counterproductive
While cleansing is essential, overdoing it can have negative consequences. Here's how excessive washing can harm your skin:
Disrupts the skin barrier: The skin's surface has a natural protective layer called the acid mantle. This layer, composed of oils and sweat, helps maintain a slightly acidic pH level. Over washing can strip away these protective oils, weakening the acid mantle and making the skin more vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and infection.
Increases sensitivity: When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more sensitive to external irritants such as harsh soaps, fragrances, and even environmental factors. This can manifest as redness, itching, and burning.
Exacerbates existing skin conditions: People with conditions such as eczema or rosacea may find that over washing worsens their symptoms. The disruption of the skin barrier can trigger flare-ups and make these conditions more difficult to manage.
Leads to premature ageing: The skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen over time. However, over washing can accelerate this process. The constant stripping of natural oils can leave the skin dehydrated and more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.
Remedies for Over Washed Skin
If you suspect you've been over washing your skin, don't despair! Here are some steps you can take to restore balance and get your skin back on track:
Adjust your cleansing routine: Start by reducing the frequency of cleansing. Aim to cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and evening. If your skin feels particularly dry, you can even skip cleansing in the morning and simply splash your face with water.
Choose gentle cleansers: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that won't strip away your skin's natural oils. Look for cleansers formulated for sensitive skin.
Moisturise religiously: Hydration is key to restoring a healthy skin barrier. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser after cleansing, both morning and night. Look for moisturisers containing ceramides, or other ingredients that help retain moisture.
Exfoliate gently: Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. However, over exfoliation can further irritate over washed skin. Stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, using a product specifically formulated for your skin type.
If you suspect your skin health has been compromised by an overzealous cleansing regimen, contact Austin Clinic for help today.
