how to clean skin - #12990
I am super confused about this whole thing with how to clean skin! I mean, I've always thought it was just about washing your face, but clearly I'm missing something. I’ve been breaking out a lot lately, especially with these weird bumps that look like little pimples but aren’t quite the same? Ugh! My skincare routine feels so basic. I've tried some over-the-counter cleansers, and honestly, I'm just washing my face with a regular soap half the time! A friend told me that how to clean skin is actually, like, an art or something. I saw online that exfoliating is important. Do I need to use scrubs or peels or something? Also what about toners? I read somewhere that they are a big part of how to clean skin too. I feel like I'm just throwing products at my face and none of them are working! I really don’t want to end up with more issues, you know? Can someone just tell me how to clean skin effectively without making it worse? Should I use a special routine morning and night or is it okay to keep it simple? I wanna understand what’s really necessary here and not just follow trends.
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Doctors’ responses
Cleaning your skin goes beyond just washing your face, and it sounds like you’re navigating a lot of conflicting advice. Let’s break it down into a simple, effective routine. First, cleanse your face twice a day, morning and night. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type rather than regular soap, which can be too harsh and strip away natural oils. If you’re dealing with breakouts that aren’t quite pimples, these might be clogged pores or a mild form of acne. Look for a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help tackle these issues. These ingredients help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Exfoliating once a week can be helpful, but be careful with physical scrubs, especially if your skin is sensitive. Chemical exfoliants like AHA or BHA might be milder on your skin, but always patch test first. Toners can help balance your skin’s pH and provide extra cleansing, but they’re not essential. If you choose to use one, go for a hydrating toner without alcohol to avoid dryness. A simple routine focusing on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is quite effective. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer should follow cleansing both times. Don’t skip using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV damage. Avoid heavy or occlusive products that can clog your pores; instead, choose ‘non-comedogenic’ products designed not to cause acne. More isn’t always better, so introducing new products one at a time lets you assess their impact. Also, lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress can impact your skin, so don’t overlook those in your routine. If breakouts persist and they’re troublesome, seeing a dermatologist might be worthwhile, as they can offer tailored advice and treatment options.
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