Following A 10-Step Beauty Routine- Are We Overcomplicating Skincare?

When it comes to washing your face, there's a lot of advice out there, especially in places like TikTok. People share all sorts of tips and tricks, like how long you should wash your face and what kind of towel you should use and much more. But it can be hard to know what's actually good for your skin without consulting with a dermatologist. There are many skin experts who revealed these are unnecessary tips and tricks, at times they also debunked many harmful tips that social media influencers give out. One of the conversations that has popped up is face washing and cleansing.

One popular trend that is going viral on TikTok- ‘to wash your face for at least 60 seconds if you want to have the perfect wash’. While the notion has quickly picked up, dermats do not see how this can help.

Dermatologists suggest that there is no scientific backing for how long you need to clean. They explained that if there are special ingredients like salicylic acid, leaving it on your skin for a little while, like 30 to 60 seconds, might help. But it is redundant for any other cleanser.

Does The Two-Step Approach Work?

Double cleansing means washing your face twice, using two different types of cleansers. This method can be helpful for people who wear a lot of makeup or sunscreen, or who have oily skin. First, you use an oil-based cleanser to break down the makeup and sunscreen. Then, you use a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and oil. This two-step process can help make sure your face is really clean. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you might not need to double cleanse. One gentle wash is often enough. Double cleansing can sometimes irritate sensitive skin by removing too much of its natural oils.

Using the same towel, you use for your body to dry your face isn't a good idea. Bath towels can collect bacteria, mold, and dead skin cells, which can irritate your face. It's better to use a separate, clean towel just for your face and make sure the towel is soft, too. Rough towels can be abrasive and irritate your skin, almost like scrubbing it with a rough cloth. When you dry your face, gently pat it dry instead of rubbing it. Rubbing can cause tiny irritations that can lead to redness and other problems.

How to Find The Right Cleanser?

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is important. There are different types of cleansers for different skin needs. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, foaming cleansers are a good choice. They help remove excess oil. If you have normal or combination skin, gel cleansers can give you a deep clean without drying out your skin.

Oil-based cleansers are great for removing makeup and sunscreen, especially if you're double cleansing. Cream or hydrating cleansers are best for dry or sensitive skin because they're gentle and moisturizing.

Exfoliating cleansers, which have ingredients like AHAs or BHAs, should be used sparingly because they can irritate your skin if used too often. If you have ongoing skin problems, it's best to see a dermatologist. They can help you find the right cleanser and routine for your skin.