Are you in search of the perfect routine to keep your face looking fresh and healthy?

If so, look no further! We've got just the guide for you that will show you how to wash your face correctly.

Washing your face is the foundation of any good skincare routine, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. It’s important to pay attention when you’re washing your face since this step can make or break the effectiveness of all other products in your regimen.

You don't want leftover makeup clogging up pores, dull skin that's not getting enough nutrients or moisture, or irritated skin full of red patches. That's why it's so important to get this part right!

To clear these issues away and have glowing skin, follow our simple steps for cleansing every day with confidence!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Wash Your Face Twice a Day

To ensure your skin stays healthy, wash and cleanse your face twice a day; once in the morning when you wake up, and again at night before bed.

Start your day off right by washing away any lingering sleepiness and giving your skin a protective barrier from the daily pollutants. Cleansing in the morning is an essential part of maintaining healthy, glowing skin throughout the day!

Equally as important, cleansing your face in the evening before bed is a must-do. During sleep, your skin will regenerate itself, and using a facial cleanser and cream can help facilitate this restoration process.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, play intense sports, or exercise frequently, it's best to rinse your face with water after each session. Sweat accumulates on the skin and can clog pores which causes acne breakouts.

Moreover, if you have sensitive skin make sure that after working outside or in dusty places cleanse well to keep pollutants from entering into the pores and causing problems such as skin irritation and blemishes.

Washing your face is not only essential for maintaining healthy skin, but it is also crucial in the fight against acne. It helps to remove excess oil and impurities that can clog pores and contribute to the formation of acne.

Have a read now and get on your way to a healthier skincare routine!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Begin By Taking Off Your Makeup

To safeguard your skin from clogged pores, be sure to thoroughly remove all makeup from your face.

Face cleansers are formulated to cleanse the skin, not remove makeup. Should you choose to wear makeup during the day, make use of a gentle makeup remover on a cotton pad for total removal before washing your skin.(1)

Oat cleansing balms are a great way to gently and effectively remove makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Unlike harsh face wipes and cleansers, oat balms are designed to nourish the skin while cleansing away makeup and other impurities.

Ready to put your best face forward? Reap the benefits of oat cleansers by reading our review of the best oat cleansing balms around – just what you need for a deep and nourishing cleanse.

For those with acne-prone or oily skin specifically, opt for water-based products instead of oil-dependent ones so that there won't be any blocked pores!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Use a Mild, Non-Abrasive Cleanser

The type of cleanser you use on your face is very important. It should be gentle, non-abrasive, and free from harsh chemicals like alcohol.(2) Alcohol can strip away the natural oils in your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. Moreover, it's best to look for a product that doesn't contain any added fragrances as they can be irritating and drying to the skin.

Once you've selected a gentle cleanser, use a dime-sized amount in your hands, lather it up with warm water, and then massage it into your face in circular motions.(3)

This will help remove any dirt or makeup that has accumulated throughout the day. After washing, make sure to rinse your face with cool water and pat dry with a soft, clean cloth.

If you have acne or any other type of skin condition, then it is recommended that you use a medicated facial cleanser prescribed by your dermatologist. These products generally contain either benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to help reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.(4)

Ready to get glowing, clean skin? Check out our review of the best glycolic face washes!

These powerful cleansers contain glycolic acid to help reduce inflammation, clear away dirt and makeup residue, and leave your skin looking healthier than ever.

Get ready to dramatically improve your complexion with just a few lathers of one of these brilliant face washes!

Don't forget to cover every inch including cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead - for at least 10 seconds.
How to Properly Wash Your Face

Pamper Your Skin with Gentle Care

When you are finished washing your face, rinse with lukewarm water and lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel to prevent damage to your skin barrier. Rubbing or scrubbing too hard can be damaging to the delicate nature of our skin - it may even cause acne breakouts!

It is also important to use a clean towel and avoid using dirty towels as they can spread bacteria that lead to clogged pores in the future.(5) Be gentle when drying off for best results.

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Give Your Neck and Jaw Muscles Some Attention

Taking care of your jawline and neck is just as important as taking care of the rest of your face. When you give yourself a facial massage, use soft circular motions to promote circulation to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.

Not only will this help loosen up any tension from the day, but it can also provide an incredibly calming experience for both body and mind!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Rejuvenate Your Skin with a Revitalizing Toner

If you're struggling with red marks or dark spots, toner could be your saving grace! Adding a toner to your skincare routine is optional and not all skin types require it. However, the results can make quite an impact: you'll notice smoother skin tone and complexion in no time.

When incorporating this product into your regimen, simply pour a pea-sized amount onto a cotton swab and gently massage it into freshly cleansed skin.(6)

For oily or acne-prone skin, a cleansing toner will help minimize flare-ups and keep pores clear. If you have dry skin, opt for something hydrating to provide moisture throughout the day. For combination or normal skin, witch hazel, and aloe are both excellent ingredients in a toner that can smooth out your skin while closing up your pores.

If you have sensitive skin, use a calming toner that will add hydration without aggravation. For those looking for anti-aging benefits, try a vitamin C-infused toner to keep your skin plump and hydrated!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Hydrate Your Skin with a Moisturizer

Not only should you work on toning your skin, but also make sure to keep it moisturized. Some may enjoy the “tight” feeling after washing their face, however, this is a sign of severe dehydration.

This can lead to irritation and discomfort or even cracking in some cases. Applying a quality moisturizer will help protect your skin from becoming overly dry so that it looks and feels radiant all day long!

Give your skin the attention it deserves! Allowing these products to absorb into your skin for 60 to 90 seconds will make all the difference in clearing clogged pores, removing dead skin cells, and giving you a beautiful healthy glow.

How to Properly Wash Your Face

The Myth About Using Hot Water

Many people think that using hot water on their face will open up their pores and help clear out dirt, but this is a misconception.(7)

If you want to properly cleanse your skin, cold water won't do the trick; while too hot of a temperature will deplete your skin of its natural oils.

Ultimately, extreme water temperatures can be uncomfortable and irritate your skin. It's best to keep your routine as close as possible to lukewarm water so that you don't endure unnecessary redness on your skin.

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Incorporate Weekly Exfoliation

Keep your skin looking and feeling its best by exfoliating no more than once a week! Begin by wetting your face in lukewarm water, then use either a chemical or physical scrub to slough away any dead skin cells.

After rinsing off the product, pat dry and follow up with a moisturizer for hydration. But beware: over-exfoliation can be too harsh on the skin leading to drying and breakouts, so listen closely to what it's telling you!(8)

Chemical exfoliants are ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, while physical exfoliants work best on oily skin. Keep in mind that exfoliating can be drying, so make sure to follow up with a moisturizer!

How to Properly Wash Your Face

Did We Mention

How To Properly Wash Your Face FAQs?

How Often Should I Wash My Face?

You should aim to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening. This helps to keep your skin clean and clear of dirt, oil, and excess makeup. It's also important to avoid over-cleansing your delicate skin, as this can strip away its natural oils and cause irritation.

What Kind of Cleanser Should I Use?

For optimal results, you should look for a non-comedogenic gentle cleanser. These types of cleansers are ideal because they won't clog pores, and they're gentle enough to prevent any irritation.

You should also make sure to use lukewarm water and a soft face cloth when washing your face, as hot water can dry out sensitive skin.

Lastly, you should always make sure to rinse your face thoroughly after cleansing to ensure that all product residue is removed.

What Things Can I Do to Keep My Acne-Prone Skin Healthy?

In addition to using the right cleansers, it's also important to use gentle, non-irritating products that won't clog your pores. Make sure to look for oil-free, water-based products with natural and organic ingredients.

Additionally, you should make sure to use a light moisturizer that is specifically designed for sensitive skin after you've washed your face.

Lastly, you should always remove makeup at the end of the day with a gentle makeup remover to prevent clogged pores.

Do I Really Need to Moisturize Dry Skin?

Absolutely! Moisturizing dry skin is a must as it helps to prevent dryness and skin irritation.

You should look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed for dry skin and provides long-lasting hydration.

Most dry skin moisturizers contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural oils to provide nourishment and help restore the skin's barrier.

Can Everyone Use the Same Kind of Face Wash?

No, not everyone can use the same kind of face wash. It's important to consider skin type when choosing a facial cleanser.

For example, those with oily skin should opt for a gel-based cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients.

Those with dry skin should use a hydrating, cream-based cleanser with natural and organic ingredients.

Lastly, those with sensitive skin should look for a gentle, non-irritating, non-comedogenic cleanser that is formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

How to Properly Wash Your Face

The Final Mention

Having a healthy skincare cleansing routine doesn't have to be overwhelming. All it takes is some dedication and consistency to see the results you desire.

Pamper your skin with the utmost care and attention it deserves! Remember to cleanse daily to eliminate dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Exfoliate once or twice a week for a fresh-feeling look and feel. To refine pores and balance out your skin use toner after cleansing. Keep hydration locked in by using moisturizer as well as weekly exfoliation for an extra deep clean resulting in an amazing glow that won't go unnoticed!

Be sure not to use hot water when washing your face - this may damage delicate facial tissues. Listen to what your skin is telling you and adjust accordingly.

And remember, it's important to select facial cleansers and skin care products that are tailored to your skin type for optimal results.

With these steps, you will be well on your way to having healthy beautiful skin!

Let us know in the comments if you have any tips or tricks that help keep your skin looking its best! We’d love to hear what works for you.

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✅ 8 Sources

HealthMention only uses sources from authoritative and reliable resources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to strengthen the accuracy of our content.

  1. What Products To Use For Everyday Skin Care. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 30, 2020. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-products-do-i-actually-need-for-a-simple-everyday-skin-care-routine/
  2. Face washing 101. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
  3. Mayo Clinic. 5 tips for healthy, glowing skin. Mayo Clinic. Published 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
  4. Lu J, Cong T, Wen X, et al. Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK / SREBP 1 pathway in sebocytes. Experimental Dermatology. 2019;28(7):786-794. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13934
  5. How to control oily skin. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
  6. What Products To Use For Everyday Skin Care. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 30, 2020. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-products-do-i-actually-need-for-a-simple-everyday-skin-care-routine/
  7. Herrero-Fernandez M, Montero-Vilchez T, Diaz-Calvillo P, Romera-Vilchez M, Buendia-Eisman A, Arias-Santiago S. Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022;11(2):298. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11020298
  8. How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
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