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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13213
46 days ago
98

how to clean our face - #13213

Advika

I am really confused about how to clean our face properly. Like, I just moved to a new city and the water here feels sooo different, I swear my skin is freaking out! At first, I thought it was just me, but then I started noticing little breakouts and dullness, which is really surprising since I usually have pretty clear skin. I’ve been trying some new products thinking they’d help, but now I’m wondering if I’m even cleaning my face right, ugh! I usually just splash some water on my face and use a foaming cleanser, but honestly, I don't even know if that’s enough or if I’m doing it wrong. I also read somewhere that over-cleansing might not be good either? Like, how do you even know when you’re doing too much or too little when it comes to cleaning? I heard about double cleansing, but is that really necessary? Should I be using a toner or just sticking with what I know? Totally lost here about the whole “how to clean our face” thing. Anyone have tips or tricks? I’d appreciate any help!

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Doctors’ responses

Understanding how to clean your face, especially when adjusting to a new environment, can seem overwhelming with all the advice floating around. Starting simple, the general goal of cleansing is to remove dirt, excess oils, and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Since you’ve moved to a new city, your skin is likely reacting to changes in environmental conditions or water composition. Hard water, for instance, which is rich in minerals, can sometimes irritate the skin and cause those breakouts or dullness you’re noticing. Begin with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type; for most, a foaming cleanser is adequate as long as it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight afterward, which might indicate over-cleansing. Always use lukewarm water, as hot water can further irritate or dry out your skin. You’re right about over-cleansing being potentially harmful—to avoid this, washing your face once or twice daily is typically sufficient. The double-cleansing method, involving an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, can be beneficial if you’re using heavy makeup or sunscreen, but it’s not necessary for everyone. Introducing a toner can help rebalance your skin after cleansing, especially if you’re concerned about pH levels; just choose an alcohol-free one to prevent drying the skin further. Always patch test new products or routines to how your skin reacts to avoid unintended breakouts. If the issues persist, consulting a dermatologist might help pinpoint specific irritants or offer tailored skincare recommendations.

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