Water alone is less effective at removing oily material, so washing with water is not the same as using a cleanser.1
Which face wash should you choose?
The word 'gentle' is not regulated, so the bottle can award itself the title. Look beyond that wording: a fragrance free cleanser is generally gentler, and liquid soap is generally gentler than bar soap.1
| Your priority | What to look for | What changes the choice |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday cleansing | A mild, gentle cleanser | Avoid rough scrub particles and abrasive cloths. |
| Oily skin | A gentle foaming face wash | Foaming does not mean you should scrub harder. |
| Acne | A cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide | Acid cleansers can irritate sensitive skin. |
| Sensitive skin | A fragrance free cleanser | Be cautious with exfoliating acids. |
How do you use the face wash?
- 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can dry the skin and damage its protective outer layer.
- 2Gently massage the cleanser over your face, jaw and neck with your fingertips. Avoid a scrubbing brush, loofah or rough washcloth.
- 3Rinse with lukewarm water until the cleanser and any residue are gone.
- 4Pat your face dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
- 5Apply moisturizer after washing to replace moisture and oils removed during cleansing.
How often should you wash?
Wash at least once a day. Many people benefit from cleansing in the morning and evening. Keep both washes gentle: gritty exfoliating cleansers and rough cloths can irritate skin and damage the moisture barrier, the outer layer that keeps moisture in.2
Cleansing comes before the rest of your routine. Follow with moisturizer, and use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 during the day. If your routine already includes an active ingredient such as retinol, avoid unnecessarily repeating that ingredient in several products.2
What should you expect after washing?
A cleanser removes dirt, pollutants and excess oil during the wash. Tightness afterward can happen because cleansing also removes some natural oils, particularly with medicated cleansers. Follow with moisturizer rather than treating tightness as the goal.1
Does a beard change how you wash?
Gently wash the skin beneath your beard as well as the hair, rinse thoroughly and blot dry with a clean towel. For acne beneath a beard, a gentle facial cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid is an option; scrubbing can worsen breakouts. Persistent bumps need a dermatologist's assessment because acne and ingrown hairs can look similar.4
When does your cleanser need extra care?
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes an itchy, flaky rash, irritation can trigger a flare. Use a fragrance free cleanser or the medicated wash your dermatologist recommends, rinse thoroughly and apply fragrance free moisturizer. Follow your treatment plan when a flare starts rather than trying to scrub away the flakes.5
Where this answer comes from
- 1A Guide on How to Wash Your Facehealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Anti-Aging Skin Care: Ingredients and Routinehealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 3search.aad.orgsearch.aad.org
- 4DIY treatment for 5 common beard problemsaad.org
- 5Seborrheic dermatitis: Self-careaad.org
