The Skin-Cleansing Mistake That May Be Causing Breakouts

The proper skincare routine is so important. It is the difference between a glowing complexion and various skin issues. When individuals first get into skincare, it's common to look for the best face-washing routines. This could include looking for the best face washes, serums, creams, and more to get your skin to its proper health. It often takes a lot of work and time, thus making it very frustrating if they don't get the results that they want. While these results might encourage people to want to throw out their products and try again with new ones, there might be bigger issues.

Most people don't realize that they are not washing their faces correctly. They apply cleanser to their wet face, wash it off, and continue on with the rest of their routine. However, the correct way to use cleansers involves the process of mixing water into it until it is foamy. "Emulsification is when you mix two different ingredients," says Dr. Christina Huang, chief dermatology resident at the University of Toronto, tells Well + Good. "With facial cleansers, you're mixing a gel-based or an oil-based cleanser with water, and that makes it have that foamy texture. And, of course, that emulsification process improves the cleaner's effectiveness and enhances the distribution of active ingredients." While this seems like a simple step to add to your routine, it has incredible effects.

The moment you start to emulsify your cleanser, you will notice a huge difference. Dr. Huang explains that when the cleanser is applied properly it allows it to go deeper into the pores as well as other benefits: "Because it's emulsified, it will pick up water better, so therefore, when you're rinsing it off, it can also be cleaned off and rinsed off more easily so you don't leave any debris from your cleansers or anything else you're applying on your face that can further contribute to acne, breakouts, and pimples."

Also known in Japanese beauty as "double cleansing," in order to emulsify your cleanser add a pea size amount of face wash and mix it with water. From there apply it all over your face, and gently rub it into the skin. Afterward, once hitting every point in the face, wash the soap off and continue with your routine as usual.

When washing your face, there are a few things to keep in mind. One important note is that it's best to choose a cleanser with healthy ingredients to maintain your skin's health. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), it's best to avoid facial cleaning solutions that have alcohol or are abrasive. Alcohol as an ingredient can be drying if included in high amounts, so it's best to be careful about that since it's going into your pores.

What you use to apply your cleanser to your face also makes a big difference. When cleansing, it's best to wash your face using your hands versus other tools such as cloths, sponges, or brushes. The AADA explains that using your hands is the best option to avoid irritation to the skin. Including these tips can easily improve your complexion, in a short amount of time.