Cleaning your face is a vital step in any skincare routine but surprisingly, many people get it wrong. In fact, some mistakes could be doing more harm than good. Here are the top 30 mistakes to avoid when cleaning your face:.

1. Not Washing Your Hands First

Before you begin cleaning your face, ensure that your hands are clean. Our hands carry lots of bacteria which can cause breakouts and irritation.

2. Using Incorrect Products for Your Skin Type

Using the wrong skincare products for your skin type could cause more harm than good. Oily skin requires different products from dry or combination skin. Determine your skin type before choosing skincare products.

3. Relying Too Much on Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are not enough to completely clean your skin. They only remove a layer of makeup and do not cleanse deeper impurities and dirt. They also contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your face.

4. Over-Cleansing Your Skin

While it is important to clean your face regularly, over-cleansing could irritate and dry out your skin. Stick to cleansing your skin twice a day and use mild products.

5. Not Removing Makeup Properly

Makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts if not completely removed. Use special makeup remover products before cleansing and avoid rubbing too hard.

6. Using Hot Water to Wash Your Face

Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and cause damage to the skin surface. Use lukewarm water and avoid long, hot showers that could also dry out your skin.

7. Rubbing Your Skin Too Hard

Scrubbing your face too hard could irritate and damage your skin. Be gentle when cleansing, use a circular motion and don’t forget to give special attention to areas like the chin and nose.

8. Being Too Rough When Drying Your Face

Don’t be too rough when drying your face with a towel. Rubbing too hard could irritate your skin and cause wrinkles over time. Pat your face gently with a soft towel or let it air dry.

9. Neglecting Your Neck and Chest While Cleansing

Don’t forget to cleanse your neck and chest when cleaning your face. These areas also require attention to maintain a healthy and radiant skin.

10. Skipping Toner

Toner is not just a luxury product. It helps balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare your skin for other products. Don’t skip toner – it could make the difference in achieving clean and glowing skin.

11. Not Exfoliating Regularly

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and deep-seated dirt that cleansing alone cannot remove. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.

12. Using Harsh Exfoliants

Exfoliants like scrubs can be harsh on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Use mild exfoliants, preferably ones without microbeads as they are not environmentally-friendly.

13. Not Moisturizing After Cleansing

After cleansing your face, apply moisturizer to restore lost moisture and prevent dryness. Don’t skip on this essential step in your skincare routine.

14. Using Products Beyond Their Expiry Date

Skincare products have expiry dates for a reason. Using expired products could cause irritation and infections. Dispose of any expired products and invest in new ones.

Sharing is not always caring when it comes to skincare products. Sharing products could lead to cross-contamination and infections. Invest in your own skincare products, especially if you have sensitive skin.

16. Leaving Residue from Facial Cleansers or Makeup Removers

Leaving residue from facial cleansers or makeup removers could clog your pores and cause breakouts. Rinse your face thoroughly and use a clean towel to pat dry.

17. Not Considering Water Hardness Levels

The hardness levels of water in your area could affect your skin. Hard water could cause dryness and irritation. Invest in a water softening system or use filtered water to clean your face.

18. Not Adjusting Your Skincare Routine Seasonally

Your skin has different needs for each season. Adjust your skincare routine according to the season. For example, use lighter products in summer and heavier ones in winter.

19. Using Different Skincare Routines Too Quickly

Don’t change your skincare routine too quickly. Allow your skin to adjust to new products for at least a month before making any changes.

20. Ignoring the Effects of Your Diet and Lifestyle on Your Skin

The food you eat and the activities you engage in could affect your skin. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly could improve the overall health of your skin.

21. Sleeping in Your Makeup

Never sleep in your makeup. Leaving it on overnight could clog your pores, cause breakouts and damage your skin.

22. Using Too Many Products at Once

Using too many products at once could cause skin irritation and breakouts. Limit your use of products and apply them in the right order.

23. Forgetting to Cleanse After Sweating

Sweating could clog pores and cause breakouts. Cleanse your face after sweating, especially after exercising.

24. Not Using Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV rays that could cause skin cancer. Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.

25. Not Giving Your Skin Time to Breathe

Giving your skin time to breathe is important, especially if you wear makeup frequently. Avoid wearing makeup every day or use light makeup to allow your skin to breathe.