How to wash your face
Whether you’re strictly a water-and-soap purist or have developed an extravagant 12-step routine, you’re probably going on auto-pilot when washing your face. As with most other mundane daily tasks, it’s easy to drift off and start forming a to-do list as you rinse and repeat.
No matter what your skin type is, though, washing one’s face is an extremely prominent factor in how the skin looks, feels and ages. Developing the right routine will pay off in the form of happy, healthy skin.
Should I wash my face with hot or cold water?
While a cold splash of water can be a nice wake-up call in the mornings, stick with a mild water temperature. Not too hot, and not too cold. This should raise some red flags if you’re used to washing your face in the scalding hot shower.
Best face washing technique
After dampening the skin, gently apply the soap and spend 10-15 seconds on each major area of your face, forehead, each cheek and chin.
Wash your neck anytime you’re washing your face. This is because like the skin on the face, the neck is a little more fragile than the rest of the body. Therefore, it should be treated with the same delicacy as the face.
After that, it’s time to rinse and pat dry with a towel.
Should I moisturize every time I wash my face?
Yes — it’s important to restore moisture to your skin after paring it down. Even with oily skin, moisturizer should remain a key step in a face-washing routine. An oil-free formula is available if needed.
It’s best to apply face lotions when the skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. As a general rule of thumb, apply your products from thinnest to thickest. This helps ensure each product is able to do its job properly.
How often should I wash my face?
This largely depends on lifestyle, but most dermatologists agree that twice a day is the magic number. Over-washing can dry out the skin, and under-washing can lead to excessive oiliness and breakouts.
However, there is an exception to the rule: You should wash your face any time you sweat heavily, even if it means washing more than twice that day.
What kind of face soap should I use?
The products you use largely depend on your skin type.
For those with dry or dehydrated skin, a gentle formula like this one from CeraVe comes highly recommended from dermatologists.
If the skin is oily or acne-prone, use something a little stronger. Consider this foaming gel cleanser to combat unwanted shininess or blemishes.
No matter the skin type, everyone should avoid most bar soaps, excessive fragrance or artificial dyes.
Can I use a makeup wipe instead of washing my face?
While you shouldn’t make a habit of replacing a good wash with a makeup wipe, it could be an easy alternative to a full wash when in a pinch. If in the market for face wipes, try out a variety that’s fragrance-free and lacking in harsh chemicals.
When not in quite a rush, cleansing balms or makeup removing cloths are a more gentle (and sustainable) alternative. But remember to remove any makeup before washing your face.
If face makeup or other skincare products (like sunscreen) linger, even after removal and washing, toner is an option. Toners are a final cleansing step. They remove impurities and get rid of any buildup that’s landed on the face and neck during the day. Apply toners gently with a cotton round. These reusable ones are great if you’re trying to minimize waste.
Is it okay to use a washcloth on my face?
Most experts wouldn’t recommend using a regular washcloth on the face. It can be pretty abrasive and create micro-tears on your skin.
If you’re looking for a way to get a deeper clean without the damage, you could try something like this cult favorite Foreo Luna device.
How often should I exfoliate my face?
To answer that question, you first need to know the difference between physical and chemical exfoliants.
Most people are more familiar with the physical variety, which has a grainy texture that creates that scrubbing sensation when applied. Chemical exfoliants usually have acid-based formulas and lack the texture.
The answer all depends on your skin type, but chemical exfoliants are more suited for everyday use, because it tends to be less harsh on the skin. If you’re using a physical exfoliant, however, it’s advisable to use it only two to three times per week.
Your face washing routine is ultimately dependent on your skin’s needs. However, it’s good to be aware of the best practices to ensure that you’re on the right path.
Mallory Pitts is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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