How cleaning your face wrong could ruin your anti-aging skincare routine!

Summary

Dr. Amir Kum, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Caram MD Skin, shares insights on the crucial first step in any skincare routine: proper facial cleansing. He explains common mistakes people make, such as using foaming cleansers, hot water, and rough towel-drying. Dr. Kum emphasizes the importance of using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser with lukewarm water, dabbing the face with a towel, and cleansing twice a day to maintain skin balance and maximize the effectiveness of skincare products. His journey with Caram Skin’s Trifecta system underscores the significance of preparing the skin properly before applying treatments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid foaming cleansers, as they can create microabrasions on the skin, leading to dryness and imbalanced oil production.
• 😀 Use a non-foaming, gentle cleanser, such as a gel-based one, to effectively cleanse without damaging the skin.
• 😀 Always cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt, debris, makeup, and oils that accumulate during the day and overnight.
• 😀 Use lukewarm water, not hot water, when washing your face to prevent skin irritation and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• 😀 Avoid harsh towel-drying techniques, and instead gently dab your skin with a towel to avoid abrasion and preserve the skin's natural oils.
• 😀 Cleansing your face properly is the foundation of any effective skincare routine, as it ensures other products can be absorbed efficiently.
• 😀 Skipping the cleansing step at night can create an inflammatory environment on the skin, which affects the effectiveness of skincare products.
• 😀 Proper cleansing also sets up your skin for other skincare steps, like applying Vitamin C, moisturizers, and sunscreen.
• 😀 Inflammation on the skin can prevent skincare products from penetrating deeply, reducing their effectiveness.
• 😀 Rinse, Dr. Kum’s product, is a gentle cleanser that not only cleans but also has added benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to soothe the skin.
• 😀 Consistently following a proper cleansing routine with the right products can lead to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Q & A

Why is the cleansing step so important in a skincare routine?

Cleansing is the foundational step of any skincare routine. If your skin isn’t properly cleansed, the other skincare products you apply won’t be as effective, as they won’t be able to properly penetrate the skin. A good cleanse ensures that your skin is in the best possible condition for the next steps.

What mistake do many people make when using foaming cleansers?

Foaming cleansers can be too abrasive, causing microabrasions on the skin. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and an imbalance in the skin’s natural oil production, making it harder for your skin to maintain a healthy balance.

Why is it better to avoid using hot water when cleansing your face?

Hot water can be harsh on your skin, causing inflammation and disrupting the skin’s natural oil balance. Lukewarm water is gentler and helps preserve your skin’s hydration and oil levels, ensuring a more effective cleanse.

What should you do after cleansing your face to avoid further irritation?

After cleansing, it’s important to gently dab your face with a towel instead of rubbing it. Rubbing can cause additional irritation and dryness, while dabbing allows your skin to maintain its balance.

How often should you cleanse your face?

Ideally, you should cleanse your face twice a day—once in the morning to remove overnight oils and once at night to remove makeup, dirt, and sunscreen. This helps keep your skin clean and free from debris.

What is the role of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in a cleanser like 'Rinse'?

'Rinse' contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that help calm and protect the skin. These ingredients prepare your skin by soothing it, reducing inflammation, and providing a healthier surface for the next steps in your skincare routine.

What can happen if you don’t properly cleanse your face before applying skincare products?

If you don’t cleanse your face properly, the skincare products you apply afterward won’t be able to effectively penetrate the skin. Products like serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen will be less effective, as they may not reach the deeper layers of the skin.

Why does Dr. Kum recommend using a gel-like, non-foaming cleanser?

Dr. Kum recommends using a gel-like, non-foaming cleanser because it’s gentler on the skin. Unlike foaming cleansers, it doesn’t create abrasions or dryness. These cleansers effectively clean the skin without disrupting its natural oil balance.

How does inflammation affect the effectiveness of skincare products?

When the skin is inflamed, it becomes swollen, and this prevents skincare products from being absorbed effectively. The inflammation creates a barrier that makes it harder for active ingredients to reach the deeper layers of the skin, reducing their efficacy.

What is the primary benefit of cleansing twice a day, even if you’re not following a full skincare routine?

Cleansing twice a day removes dirt, oil, makeup, and debris that accumulate on your skin. It helps balance oil production, prevents clogged pores, and prepares your skin for sunscreen and any other treatments you might use. It’s crucial for maintaining healthy skin, even without an extensive routine.