We’ve all heard the term “a little is good, so more must be better!” While it may be true for some things, it is not true when it comes to caring for your skin. When you over cleanse your skin you can strip your skin of the oils that keep it healthy and balanced. People with oily skin tend to over cleanse in the effort to get rid of the shiny, oily appearance of the skin. Oily skin can actually become more oily with over cleansing, because it can trigger a panic response and send your oil glands into overdrive to compensate for the “over stripping” that over cleansing may cause. In turn, oily skin becomes shinier and can actually produce more breakouts if you are acne prone. Dry skin can become flakey and irritated making you look older and more tired than you actually are. Nobody wants that!

Here are the top 5 face cleansing errors:

· Cleansing too often – No matter what your skin type, cleanse no more than twice a day with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.
· Using too much cleanser – Dilute a small amount of cleanser with water and lather it up in the palm of your hand before applying it to your face.
· Using products that are too harsh for your skin – If your skin feels dry and tight on a regular basis your products are too harsh for your skin type. Switch to milder ingredients and consult with your skin care specialist.
· Using products too harshly – Abrasive scrubs, over scrubbing, and products with exfoliating acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acids should be used 1-2 times a week. Daily use may cause blotchy, red, flaky skin or even broken capillaries.
· Not enough rinsing – Make sure your cleanser is thoroughly removed. Just when you think you are done rinsing, rinse three more times to make sure no residue is left behind.

Do you think you may be an “over cleanser?” Call today for a free consultation and skin analysis. I can show you the proper way to cleanse and recommend skin care products that are appropriate and compliment your individual skin type. You deserve to look as good as you feel!