How to Properly Wash Your Face: 4 Tips for Face Washing

You should wash your face about once to twice a day—ideally in the morning and night or after sweating from a workout. To get the best results out of this critical skincare routine, follow these steps:

1. 1. Choose your face wash. There are many different kinds of facial cleansers; some will be dryer to help with oily skin, others will be more hydrating to serve dry skin. If you are unsure of your skin type, go with a gentle cleanser or ask your dermatologist for a recommendation so you can purchase the most helpful kind of skincare product.
2. 2. Remove makeup. If you are wearing any lipstick, highlighter, bronzer, or other cosmetics, use makeup remover or micellar water to wipe your face clean, so it is ready for washing.
3. 3. Wash your hands. You’ll want to wash your hands for twenty seconds to prevent the transfer of bacteria from fingers to face. Use soap and warm water, then pat your hands dry.
4. 4. Lather the face cleanser in your palm. Pump just once to get a bit of the foaming cleanser on your hand. Add a little warm water, and gingerly rub it around your palm, so it’s spread around your hand and ready for applying.
5. 5. Massage your face. Smoothly spread the cleanser around your face, rubbing it in circular motions.
6. 6. Turn on your water. Water temperature is essential in your skincare regimen. Cold water won’t open up your pores for cleaning, and too hot water will strip the skin of its natural oils. Use lukewarm water when watching your face.
7. 7. Rinse your face. Cup some warm water in your hand and bring it to your face, rubbing with the area just below your fingertips so that you are not pressing your face. Do this a few times until all of the cleanser is gone.
8. 8. Pat dry with a clean towel. Use a soft towel to dab at the face and eye area to dry up.

The best way to wash your face is to combine two simple ingredients: lukewarm water and a gentle facial cleanser. You might also want to add some additional products and tools to your cleansing routine:

• Micellar water: Micellar water, a solution with tiny micelles, breaks down makeup and readies the face for washing.
• Soft washcloth: Be tender with your skin and avoid using rough washcloths that irritate the skin.
• Toner: Toners reset your skin’s pH levels and protect it from bacterial harm. Many toners contain anti-aging properties. Apply toner to your T-zone, the area horizontally across the forehead and vertically from the chin up the nose to the spot between the eyebrows.
• Moisturizer: Moisturizers, which may be special creams or simple sunscreens with a very low SPF, help combat dryness.

You can use a face-washing routine at various points throughout the day, depending on your schedule, but in general, in the morning when you get up and at night before bed are the best times to clean your face:

• In the morning: You’ll want to wash up in the morning to awaken your face and give it a layer of protection against all the oils, particles, and bacteria that it will come into contact with throughout the day.
• Before bed: Similarly, the evening, right before bed, is an essential time for cleansing as your skin will restore itself while you sleep, and face wash and cream can aid in this process.
• After a workout: There are some other times when you may want to wash your face, such as after working out. Too much sweat can clog your pores and lead to a breakout. The same goes for if you work in dusty or sooty areas; you’ll want to wear masks to cover your face or clean your face shortly after working to clear out your pores, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Whether or not you have healthy or acne-prone skin, there are a few tips to keep in mind when washing your face each day:

1. 1. Wash the jawline. Be sure to cleanse this area to protect it from acne breakouts.
2. 2. Find a cleanser that works for your skin. An over-the-counter, gentle foaming cleanser will leave your skin feeling smooth and clean. Nonetheless, it can be helpful to consult dermatologists for a professional opinion about skin health and which products will best serve your skin.
3. 3. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to your routine. If your cleansers and serums cause acne or upset your eczema, change up your routine. If you are exercising and dieting usually but still experience skin issues, a product you are using may be leading to skin irritation. Try out a new product for sensitive skin, or seek professional advice from a doctor.
4. 4. Clean your face towels regularly. If your face towels are dirty or smudged with makeup, they may be doing more harm than good. You’ll want your towels soft, dry, and clean when it comes time to pat your face after washing. Regularly wash these towels, switching them after three uses and laundering them about once every week or so.

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