While wrinkles with age are inevitable, a key way to prevent the formation of excess ones is to wash and cleanse your face, a vital part of your everyday anti-aging skincare routine. It’s a step you need to complete in the morning before you start your day and also at night, making sure to remove makeup, dirt, oils and other pore-clogging elements.
When you do wash your face, there is one crucial (and easy-to-do) mistake that dermatologists say you should be aware of, as doing this frequently can cause wrinkles and other lines on your face to be more visible without proper care.
We spoke with dermatologists Ksenia Sobchak of Giejo Magazine & Loxa Beauty and Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life to learn more about this common error and what it means for your aging skin type.
Dangers Of Using The Wrong Cleanser For Your Skin Type
The major mistake you can make when it comes to washing your face is using the wrong product that doesn’t suit your personal skin type—whether it’s oily, dry or a combination of both.
“Throwing a cleanser that does not match your skin type predicts failure in your entire skincare routine and can further damage your skin,” says Sobchak. She explains that “the wrong cleanser” can damage the skin’s lipid barrier which can then “allow toxins, dirt, and UV light” to penetrate the skin.“This encourages wrinkles, jeopardizing your dreams of achieving healthy and youthful skin,” she adds.
Rosen agrees, saying “one of the most critical mistakes women can make when washing their face is to use the wrong type of cleanser.” She notes that using a harsh soap or detergent can “strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness, wrinkles, and other types of skin damage.”
So, how do you know what type of cleanser to get for your skin? Generally, Rosen advises that “the best type of cleanser to use is a gentle cleansing milk or lotion that doesn't contain any soap.” She stresses to look for cleansers that are designed “to clean your skin without stripping away its natural oils.”
If you have oily skin, Sobchak highly recommends “foaming and gel cleansers.” Conversely, if your skin is dry, she notes that “creamier cleansers can make a great choice.” There are also cleansers out there specifically designed for people with combination skin. For more information, visit a dermatologist who can determine the perfect fit and cleanser for you and your skin type.
