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As far asclogged poresare concerned, I believe the word insanity applies to me.

Here’s what happened: In mid-December, I had my first-ever facial appointment with esthetician-to-the-starsShani Darden.

Byrdie editor Amanda Montell looking at herself in the mirror touching her face

Paley Fairman

“I don’t know why my skin looks like this!”

I lamented as Darden flicked on her bright light.

(Why do we sabotage ourselves like that?

Garnier SkinActive the Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser

Too much ego?)

“But the proper cleanser can make or break your routine.

Keep reading for five cleansing mistakes you might be making (and how to fix them).

Is Clinical Cleansing Complex

“Then you have to quickly run and put your moisturizer on to infuse what you just removed.

Dehydrated skin is never beneficial for the skin.”

To avoid this mess,choose gentle, sulfate-free formulas with low lather(the lower the better).

Renée Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel

Your skin shouldn’t feel tight or dry or look red after cleansing.

“Not washing your face after the gym can clog your pores,” Darden asserts.

But those facial cleansing wipes you might keep in your gym bag won’t do the trick, either.

Instead, they just smear dirt, bacteria, oil, and makeup across it.”

So let’s all agree to opt for a real face wash instead, deal?

CeraVeTravel Size Hydrating Cleanseris perfect for workout-day convenience.

But clogged pores may result.

This may prevent your daytime products from performing their best.

are applied afterward, they may not penetrate the cell membrane effectively.

This habit might also result in a chemistry nightmare.

What to do instead?