Lifestyle

Right Way to Wash Your Face: 7 Mistakes You’re Making

Published

5 years ago

October 21, 2020

The extensive amount of face wash options can be overwhelming, there are lotions, milks, scrubs, foaming mousses, oils, wipes, motorized brushes, and more. However, even with all the advances in products, many of us are still sticking to the same face-wash techniques we grew up with. But now, you will know better. Educate yourself against these # mistakes you’re making and get squeaky clean skin.

Mistake 1: Wash and Go

Washing your face isn’t just a one-step process. Cleansers don’t usually remove all traces of makeup, so you’re in danger of leaving your pores clogged if you don’t remove makeup first. Use an oil-based cream, a cleansing oil, or even a makeup remover wipe to dissolve sunscreen and makeup. Then follow with lukewarm water and dime-size amount of cleanser on your fingers or a clean, damn washcloth. Rinse and dry with a soft paper towel if you’re acne-prone.

Mistake 2: Closing Your Pores

Sorry, ladies, but you can’t open or “close” your pores by massaging your face or splashing it with cold water. As a matter of fact, extreme heat can exaggerate problems like rosacea and redness. However, mild steam can help soften hardened oil in pores. So, it’s still not a bad idea to cleanse in the shower.

That said, mild steam can help soften hardened oil in pores, so it’s never a bad idea to cleanse in the shower.

Mistake 3: Picking Cleanser According to Skin Type

No matter what type of skin you have, there are certain ingredients that should never be in your face wash, including: fragrance, which can be irritating; parabens, since they’re potentially toxic preservatives; or harsh soap, it’s drying. If the cleanser fits that bill, it should work for any skin type, and the formula itself, whether cream, lotion, foaming, etc. is more of a personal preference. However, people with dry skin may prefer formulas with extra moisturizers, like glycerin or shea butter. And those with oily skin may want a foaming wash, since it leaves skin feeling superclean.

Mistake 4: Grainy Scrubs to Exfoliate and Smooth

A salicylic or glycolic acid cleanser is much gentler and more effective than grainy scrubs which are often too harsh on your skin. The thick grainy formulas can actually exaggerate the appearance of pores as well. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, use the salicylic or glycolic acid cleansers once or twice a week, and adjust depending on how your skin is looking and feeling.

Mistake 5: Using Toner

An alcohol-based toner strips your skin of natural oils. Gentle toners calm the skin and balance pH levels, but most cleansers take care of this step for you.If you must use a toner, stick with gentle, alcohol-free versions.

Mistake 6: Brushing Your Skin Daily

A brush removes oil, dirt, and dead skin better than your hands can, plus it’s gentler than most exfoliating cleansers or scrubs. In short, they are great, but they should be used sparingly. Constant exfoliation can cause inflammation. In addition, make sure you rinse and air-dry after use to keep the brush bacteria-free.

Mistake 7: Spending a Fortune

You know those top-quality ingredients, like retinol or antioxidants? Don’t waste money on them for products that you’ll just be washing down the drain. Save the pricier ingredients for leave-on products like serums and creams and always read beauty product reviews before going to buy any beauty product, because they are most effective when concentrated on the skin.

Are there any switches you’ve made in your skin care routine lately? Let us know in the comments!

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

11 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.