Glycolic Acid Face Wash Mistakes to Avoid
In modern day lifestyle, pollution and excessive sun exposure leaves the skin looking dull, uneven, dark patches. With passage of time this even leads to aging and fine wrinkles. That’s why many people opt for a glycolic acid face wash.
It is a popular choice of many people due to its ability of gentle exfoliation. It helps in removing the accumulated dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and gives a brighter skin tone.
However glycolic acid should be used with caution. But many times people often make some mistakes that lead to further damaging the skin. This is why knowing these common bad face wash habits that one should avoid is important.
Therefore in this blog we will discuss the common face wash mistakes people make and tips to use the face wash properly which will help you to use the glycolic acid face wash properly which provides the best results while also avoiding any skin related problems.
Face Wash Mistakes One Should Avoid
These are some bad face wash habits that damage your skin and one should avoid these to use the cleanser safely.
1. Using the Cleanser Frequently
One of the common misconceptions around people is that glycolic face wash should be used daily. But in reality it is alpha hydroxy acid that contains exfoliating properties and not everyone’s skin can tolerate daily exfoliation due to which it can cause skin irritation or related problems.
This is why it is highly recommended to use the glycolic cleanser 2 or 3 times a week during the initial days and gradually increase with time. So that your skin gets used to the product and can tolerate it daily in the future.
2. Over Using the Cleanser
Plenty of people think that taking a large amount of cleanser will help in giving faster results and brighter skin but in fact it is the opposite of that. Large amounts of face wash can even strip out the skin’s natural moisture along with accumulated dead skin cells that makes the skin dry and even damage the skin barrier.
Experts suggest taking an adequate amount of cleanser on the palms that cover your face including jaw and hairline area. This is enough for removing accumulated dead skin cells without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture.
3. Scrubbing the Face Forcefully
This is why it is preferred to gently massage the cleanser on the face in the circle motion for around 1-2 minutes and rinse properly with water to remove any residue of the cleanser.
4. Ignoring Skin Type
Many people often use the glycolic face wash without considering their skin type and because it behaves differently on every skin type. People with sensitive skin might feel irritation or redness as sensitive skin easily gets irritated by external factors.
So if you are dry or sensitive and experience consistent dryness or irritation then it is better to reduce or stop the use for some time and then reintroduce to prevent any skin related issues. However if the redness persists then shift onto gentle cleansers which is more appropriate.
5. Skipping Moisturizer
One of the common mistakes people who are having oily or acne prone skin make is skipping moisturizer after cleansing their face. Glycolic acid makes the skin dry by removing some skin’s moisture and skipping moisture can cause severe skin dryness.
This is why it is important to put on gentle, oil free hydrating moisturizer on the cleansed face which will provide moisture to the skin and keeps your skin’s protective barrier hydrated.
6. Neglecting Sunscreen
A glycolic acid helps in boosting the skin cell turnover rate which removes the dead skin cells and reveals the fresh skin. This new skin is generally more sensitive to sun damage and not applying the sunscreen further damages the skin.
This is why before going outside, apply two finger sized sunscreen having spf 30 and a broad spectrum which gives protection to your skin from all types of UV rays.
7. Using too Many Ingredients
Many people struggle with various skin concerns due to which they try to combine all the harsh ingredients in a single routine that cause skin irritation, redness or related skin problems.
This is why while using the glycolic face wash it is advised to not apply any strong active ingredients and keep the skin care routine simple with gentle moisturizer and sunscreen.
How to Face Wash Properly?
It is important to use the face wash in a correct manner to get the maximum benefits without any side effects.
If you are a beginner then it is advised to use the cleanser 2 or 3 times a week and then gradually increase with time.
Splash lukewarm water to wet your face properly.
Rub the cleanser in the upward circles on the face for about 60-90 seconds and wash the cleanser residue with water.
Dry the face with the help of a clean towel.
Put on gentle, oil free moisturizer on the cleansed face.
Final Thoughts
In today’s fast paced lifestyle, our skin is constantly exposed to harmful radiations of sun which have been proven to make our skin look dull, uneven and can totally leave acne marks or pigmented spots. For that reason plenty of people often go for a glycolic acid face wash which is famous for its gentle cleanser properties, as it actively removes the dead skin cells buildup and gives a refreshing look.
However glycolic acid needs caution during its usage. Many times people make common errors that can damage their skin. That’s why knowing mistakes that one should avoid and tips to face wash properly will help you to use the face wash safely that provides the best benefits without any side effects.
