6 Common Things S’poreans Do To Their Faces That Actually Harms Their Face

Last Updated on 2023-04-07 , 12:05 pm

A wise old man once said this, when it comes to faces, Singaporeans get the short end of the stick.

No, not because we’re ugly.

But because of the weather.

It’s humid, hot or humid-hot all year round. Which means pimples, blemishes and all sorts of facial problems start popping up.

Which explains our fascination with facial care and why Sephora stores keep getting bigger and bigger.

But did you know that there are some things you cannot do (in the name of facial care) or you’ll ruin your face even more?

Here are 6 stuff that Singaporeans commonly do that shouldn’t be done.

1. Foam & Bubbles = Cleaner Face

We’re conditioned to believe that if you rub your hands and you see beautiful white foam, it’s a good cleanser.

I mean, it’s the same logic as dishwashing detergent. If it’s not foamy, you won’t feel like the plate is clean.

But that’s not true for cleansers.

The chemical that causes foam or lather in your product is sodium stearate, which is also found in latex paints, inks, etc.

And it’s known to be able to strip your skin completely of its protective layer of natural oils.

This will lead to dry skin, and possibly cause your face to be oilier because your oil glands kick into high gear.

2. Washing Your Face With Foam Cleanser In The Morning

Okay, we’ve established that foamy cleansers aren’t the ideal products for your face. But if you really have to use it, don’t do it in the morning.

Instead, it’s best to use a non-foamy, gentle skin cleanser as it’ll not strip your skin of the protective layer it needs to survive the rest of the day under the sun.

Especially for people with dry or sensitive skin.

3. Using The Same Towel On Your Face And Body

Most Singaporeans would’ve used the same towel for their bodies and their faces.

I mean, if your body is clean after a shower, won’t the towel be clean too? 

But nope.

The towel you use for your body might contain bacteria or microorganisms that’ll get onto your face if you wipe your face with it.

And since our face’s skin is way more sensitive than our body, it could cause blackheads and breakouts.

Solution: Have a small towel exclusively for your face.

4. You Lather Your Face For Too Long

Same logic as the foamy cleanser.

Some people might feel that lathering your face longer and creating more foam will get more oil, dirt and other unmentionables out of your pores.

News flash: it doesn’t.

It’ll lead to dry, red and irritated skin instead.

So wet your face, apply cleanser and wash off once it starts lathering.

For non-foamy cleansers, the maximum amount of time you can lather is one minute.

5. Fragrant Cleansers FTW

Humans love stuff that smells good.

But not for cleansers, though.

The fragrances (like Blue Seduction, lavender, etc) are made up of synthetic perfumes and chemicals which might be too harsh for your skin.

Hence, breakout.

6. Swimming

Hands up if you love swimming.

I do, because one, the scenery’s beautiful (depending on the swimming pool you go to). And two, it’s a low-impact cardio workout, which is amazing for fat people like myself.

But, the chlorine in the water’s like your worst enemy on a good day. Besides the sun, that is.

It’ll strip your face and hair of its protective layer of natural oils and make your them irritated.

So there you go, 6 things Singaporeans commonly do that unknowingly damage their precious face.

How many of these have you done?