A Guide on How to Wash Your Face

It’s something you more than likely do every single day: Wash your face.

But have you ever stopped to think about why you do this simple task?

“Washing your face is important to remove both the dirt and pollutants that your skin comes into contact with throughout the day and also to remove any excess oil that your skin may produce throughout the day and overnight,” says dermatologist Kathryn Anderson, MD.

And while you’ve probably not put a lot of stock into making sure you have the right cleanser or that you’re using the correct temperature of water, considering the art of the face wash can make all the difference when it comes to your complexion.

So, before you head toward the bathroom sink again, Dr. Anderson breaks down how to wash your face.

Step 1: Pick your cleanser

It all starts by choosing a cleanser that works best for your skin — but you don’t need to overthink it.

“A gentle cleanser is best for most people,” says Dr. Anderson. “A gentle cleanser will usually be designated on the label as a ‘gentle cleanser.’ However, it’s not a regulated term, so companies can put whatever wording on the label that they want. A liquid soap, in general, will be gentler than a bar soap. A fragrance-free cleanser is going to be a gentler cleanser.”

From there, you may opt to choose a cleanser that contains ingredients that address certain skin concerns such as acne and aging.

“People who have acne can often benefit from medicated cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide,” she notes. “Anti-aging cleansers may typically have an alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid, or a beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid, which can help to gently resurface the skin and make it appear brighter.”

An important note: If you have sensitive skin, cleansers with those acids may cause irritation.

If you’re wondering if you can skip the cleanser and use only water when washing your face, consider this:

“Water is not going to be as effective as a cleanser because many of the particles that you’re removing are going to be oil-based, and water and oil just don’t mix,” explains Dr. Anderson. “You really need the soap that’s in a cleanser to remove those oil-based molecules on the skin.”

Step 2: Wet your face with warm water

While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, Dr. Anderson says lukewarm water is best for most people.

“I find cold water to just be uncomfortable, but cold water is fine if that’s what you prefer,” she says. “I don’t recommend hot water, as it can be stripping to the skin barrier and lead to more dryness. And with dryness can come more irritation.”

Step 3: Gently massage cleanser into your skin

Can you just use your fingers or should you use a washcloth?

“I recommend applying the cleanser with your fingers,” says Dr. Anderson. “A washcloth, loofah or scrubbing brush can all be harsh on your skin.

Using your fingers, gently massage the cleanser into your skin. If you opt for a foam cleanser, Dr. Anderson says to keep massaging the cleanser until you generate a good lather. And if you’re using a medicated type of cleanser, you should leave it on your face for one to two minutes to allow active ingredients to work.

“There’s no science behind applying the actual cleanser to the face, but I usually do recommend washing your full face, as well as your jaw and neck area,” she advises.

Step 4: Rinse your face with lukewarm water

Now it’s time to rinse the cleanser from your face. Again, Dr. Anderson prefers using lukewarm water to avoid any irritation.

While there’s no golden rule for how long you need to rinse, you want to ensure that any bubbles or residue from the cleanser are fully removed.

Step 5: Pat your face dry

Now that your face is squeaky clean, you still need to take care when drying your face.

“Using a clean cotton towel is the most important part,” states Dr. Anderson. “You don’t want to use a dirty towel or a towel that’s been sitting on your towel rack for two weeks.”

Another key when it comes to drying your face the right way? Pat the area dry and avoid rubbing your face too harshly.

“Rubbing your face will disrupt your skin barrier, whereas pat drying is gently helping to remove the water from your face,” she adds.

Step 6: Apply moisturizer to your face

“Especially if you’re using a medicated cleanser, your skin will often feel tight,” says Dr. Anderson. “In addition to removing dirt and pollutants from your skin, your cleanser is going to remove some of the natural oils and moisturizers in your skin.”

To combat this feeling and replenish some of those natural moisturizers that have been removed, Dr. Anderson says it’s vital that you apply a moisturizer to your face after washing.

Bottom line?

Washing your face can be one of those mindless everyday tasks. But putting some thought and consideration into how to properly wash your face can help you maintain a clear complexion.

“Washing your face is important to keep your skin clean, minimize dermatologic complaints and potentially treat some skin conditions,” concludes Dr. Anderson.