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A proper washing regime is a key factor in acne prone skin care
Determining how often to wash your face if you have acne is one of the most confusing topics for people who struggle with this disease.
On one hand, proper hygiene is paramount to clean and healthy skin, but on the other hand, over-washing can only exacerbate the problem and cause additional irritation, RealSimple reported.
The problem of frequent washing
Many people think that frequent washing will help get rid of excess fat, which they logically think causes acne, because rashes are a sign of “dirty” skin that requires immediate cleansing. However, excessive or aggressive washing can irritate and damage the skin barrier. Washing removes make-up, dirt and bacteria, and people with acne tend to think that frequent washing will help reduce rashes. However, when skin is cleansed too often, its natural health-supporting fats are removed, and this forces the body to produce more sebum. This, in turn, can lead to clogged pores and inflammation, which only exacerbates the problem.
What to do
Experts agree that the optimal regime is to wash your face twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning wash helps to get rid of excess sebum accumulated during the night, while the evening wash removes make-up, dirt and bacteria that have accumulated during the day.
The only exception is if you are involved in sports or other physical activities that cause excessive sweating. In such cases, extra face washing is advisable to avoid the accumulation of sweat and sebum.
Signs of excessive washing
It’s important to know when a regime becomes excessive. Signs of aggressive skin care that can aggravate acne include:
- Flaking and excessive dryness of the skin
- Increased secretion of fat
- Redness and a feeling of tightness
- Skin sensitivity
If you’re noticing these signs, it could be a signal that your skin needs a gentler care regime and excessive washing is only making things worse.
How to choose a cleanser
The best thing you can do for your acne-prone skin is to take the focus away from the health of its protective barrier. Use gentle cleansers that are specially formulated for acne-prone skin. It’s important to use a cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients and doesn’t require heavy rubbing or scrubbing.
Tips:
- Besides washing your face daily, there are other ways that can help reduce rashes and soothe your skin:
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day. This helps reduce the transmission of bacteria and impurities.
- Use a clean towel to dry your face. Make sure the towels you use are fresh and you change them weekly.
- Moisturising. After washing, use a light moisturiser that does not contain oil. This will help keep your skin balanced.
- Control diet and activity. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise can have a positive impact on skin health.
- Stress control. Stress can cause or exacerbate acne, so relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can be helpful.
- Professional treatments. In severe cases, see a dermatologist for laser or chemical peels to help reduce the rash.
A proper washing regime is a key factor in acne-prone skin care. While the desire to wash your face more often may be understandable, over-cleansing only upsets the natural balance of the skin barrier, and this leads to increased sebum production and new rashes. Follow the advice, use gentle cleansers specifically formulated to fight acne and don’t forget the importance of moisturisation and a healthy lifestyle.
