Washing the face repeatedly during the festive season may seem like an effective way to prevent breakouts, but skincare experts caution that excessive cleansing and aggressive routines can irritate the skin. Chandrika Mahendra, general manager of personal care and baby care research and development at Himalaya Wellness, highlighted six common face-washing mistakes that can make breakout-prone skin feel worse. She emphasised that a simple and consistent routine is generally preferable to repeated cleansing or aggressive scrubbing.

One of the most common mistakes is over-washing the face. According to Mahendra, repeatedly cleansing oily skin can remove its natural oils and leave it feeling dry, tight or irritated. For most people, she said, cleansing twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed — is sufficient, while an additional wash may be appropriate after heavy exercise or sweating. She also cautioned against scrubbing breakouts in an attempt to remove dirt, recommending a gentle cleanser applied to damp skin with the fingertips instead.

Another factor is water temperature. Although a hot shower can feel relaxing, excessive heat may leave facial skin feeling dry and uncomfortable. Mahendra recommended using lukewarm water while cleansing and gently patting the face dry instead of rubbing it. She also pointed to the importance of selecting suitable ingredients in face washes, noting that different botanical ingredients have different properties. Aloe vera is commonly associated with hydration, while turmeric and neem are traditionally used in skincare for their respective skin-care and cleansing properties.

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Skipping moisturiser is another mistake, particularly among people with oily or breakout-prone skin. Mahendra said that avoiding moisturiser after cleansing can leave the skin feeling dry and uncomfortable because cleansing does not eliminate the need to maintain moisture. She recommended following cleansing with a lightweight moisturiser suited to the individual's skin type to help maintain the skin's moisture balance.

The expert also warned against chasing a “squeaky-clean” feeling after washing the face. A sensation of tightness does not necessarily mean the skin has been cleaned more effectively and may instead indicate that it has been cleansed too aggressively. Repeated washing, vigorous rubbing and excessive use of products can make a skincare routine unnecessarily harsh, particularly for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

Mahendra recommended keeping the routine relatively simple, with gentle cleansing, appropriate moisturisation and daytime sun protection forming its foundation. Rather than repeatedly washing the face in an effort to control breakouts, she suggested choosing products according to individual skin needs and maintaining a consistent routine. For persistent or severe acne, however, professional medical advice can help determine the appropriate treatment and skincare approach.

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