How often should we really wash our face?
Created: 07/06/2022Updated: 07/06/2022 16:26
People often assume that daily cleansing is good for their skin.
But is that true?
In an interview, a dermatologist separates myths from facts.
Is it wrong to assume that you have to wash your face thoroughly every day?
dr
Yael Adler, dermatologist and author of "Haut nah", says in an interview with the news agency spot on news: "The motto 'less is more' applies to facial care." The expert also explains whether
special care products
are necessary for cleaning
and whether the skin is able to renew itself without help.
Are you also wondering how often you should shower without damaging your skin? In the article “How often should you shower? Dermatologist reveals whether twice a week is sufficient” to find out more about the topic.
You should not wash your face too often (symbol image).
© Imago
Should we wash our face daily before we go to bed?
dr
Yael Adler: It is indeed the case that the skin on the face and body can cope if you don't always wash it or only very gently with water and a towel and without cleaning substances.
Even light make-up can be removed with warm water and a towel.
The residual particles that remain on the skin are less stressful for the skin than if you emulsify, peel or remove all of the skin's protective mechanisms with alcoholic tinctures.
The skin has protective mechanisms and epidermal fats from the epidermis.
They take four weeks to develop and have fats from the sebaceous glands.
This combination is very good for the face, protects against dehydration, nourishes and protects against pathogens.
In addition, we have a protective acid mantle pH5, which ensures that the right bacteria live there,
which train the immune system, have an anti-aging effect, protect against infections and give the body a pleasant smell.
Last but not least, we have horny scales that mechanically protect the skin and lock in moisture.
That means cleaning too often isn't all that good.
What happens to the skin of the face if we don't wash it?
Adler: The skin basically cleans itself. It flakes off, has its own protective acid mantle, its own fat care, its own microbiome, i.e. bouncer bacteria.
In other words, if you don't wash the skin, this balance of flaking and the formation of new skin cells is not disturbed and that can work well.
Of course, dirt and dust are also deposited on the facial skin, depending on where you are at the moment.
Here I would recommend warm water and a microfiber towel for cleaning.
You can also use make-up remover products, as nature does not intend for you to put on make-up.
But with light make-up, water and a towel are sufficient.
When removing eye make-up, however, oils or an eye make-up remover are necessary.
A healthy skin in balance does not begin
to ignite.
This is more likely to happen if you care for them too much and wash down the protective mechanisms.
The consequences are contact allergies, irritation or cosmetic acne.
So water alone is basically enough for cleaning?
Adler: When it comes to facial care, the motto “less is more” applies.
A large amount of care products can disturb the skin balance.
Cleaning removes the protective mechanisms.
Creams often contain dyes, fragrances, preservatives, emulsifiers, mineral oils and other chemicals that can cause a variety of skin problems.
You should only apply cream to the skin when and only on those areas that are dry and tight.
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If you wash your face regularly with just water and a towel, you will notice after four weeks how it has regenerated.
Skin health is also heavily dependent on diet.
Food should contain many vitamins, trace elements, omega fatty acids, phytochemicals, soluble fiber and probiotic bacteria.
What secret facial care tips can you share?
Adler: You shouldn't take care products that are overloaded.
Shea butter is better, but it is very fatty.
You can use them sparingly on the cheekbones or lips.
So-called derma membrane structure creams, which are available in different fat consistencies, are also helpful.
These are skin-like lipids that are very similar to skin fats.
The skin can breathe underneath and regenerate.
However, you should only apply this to the needy points.
Finally, sun protection is important.
(eee/elm/spot)