While our skincare routines may vary, I think we can all agree that most of us are using a cleanser. But did you know that there are certain face washing habits that can lead to skin issues such as irritation and breakouts? Read on to learn more about the five common face-washing mistakes you could be making.

1. Using the wrong cleanser

Skincare routine not working? You may be using the wrong cleanser for your skin. Choose a cleanser that will completely wash away any makeup and impurities without removing your skin’s natural oils. Make sure it’s not too gentle nor too harsh where it leaves your skin irritated and dry. We suggest using a sulfate-free formula to avoid over-stripping your skin.

Our Drift Away™ Cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It has a transforming gel-to-foam formula that provides a double cleansed effect to remove makeup and cleanse the skin in a single step. Drift Away is formulated with coconut-based cleansing agents that create rich bubbles that pick up dirt while additional water helps absorb and wash away any impurities left behind. It is also enriched with ingredients such as seawater and kelp to hydrate and balance skin.<product>1</product>

2. Washing with the wrong water temperature

We all know how great it feels to take a nice hot shower. However, while it may feel nice, the hot water isn’t doing your skin any favors. Using water that's too hot can lead to overly dry skin which results in redness and can further irritate skin conditions. This is also the case for using water that is too cold. To avoid aggravating your skin, we recommend gently cleansing your face with lukewarm water.

3. Washing your face incorrectly

In order to clean your face thoroughly, it’s important to make sure you’re washing with proper technique. Simply splashing some water on your face and slathering on a dollop of cleanser isn’t enough.

Start by applying one pump of your cleanser to the skin and gently massaging until makeup and impurities fully dissolve. Avoid washing your cleanser off too quickly because you want to make sure you’re giving the cleanser enough time for the active ingredients to work its magic on your skin. Massage your cleanser all over your entire face. Don’t forget to clean around your hairline!

4. Poor towel drying habits

If you choose to dry your face with a towel after cleansing, make sure to avoid harsh rubbing motions. The key is to pat your face dry, not rub. Rubbing a towel may be quicker and easier, but it pulls on your skin which results in irritation and redness. The best way to dry your face is to gently pat and press the towel on your face until most of the moisture is absorbed. And remember, never share towels!

5. Forgetting to moisturize after cleansing

After cleansing, one of the most critical steps is to put on a moisturizer afterward. Applying a moisturizer will lock in the moisture you got from cleansing and allow your skin to reap the benefits of the ingredients in the moisturizer.

Try our Dive In™ Moisturizer! It’s suitable for all skin types and is enriched with pentavitin to provide the skin with up to 72 hours of deep, long-lasting hydration. Its lightweight formula and non-greasy gel-cream texture absorbs quickly into skin and works well under makeup for a flawless complexion. Dive In is also enriched with a powerful combination of thirteen fruit extracts that defend skin against damaging free radicals that cause premature aging. We recommend applying a pea-sized amount onto a clean face and gently massaging into the skin.<product>1</product>

Show us your cleanser routine @Wander_Beauty!