Simple face wash: how to choose and use it

Which Simple face wash are you buying?

The US product is called Kind To Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash and comes in a 5.1 oz size. Simple lists the US 5.1 oz wash at $6.49, so the product name takes up more space than the price. That identifies this particular product, not every cleanser carrying the Simple name.1

Read the current bottle's full ingredient list and directions before buying. Do not treat the name "Moisturizing" as a reason to skip moisturizer, or the word "gentle" as confirmation that a formula is fragrance free. "Gentle" is not a regulated cleanser term. For a basic wash, look for a nonabrasive cleanser without alcohol; a fragrance free cleanser is generally a gentler choice.24

How to wash your face

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin's protective barrier and increase dryness.
2. 2Apply cleanser with your fingertips. Gently massage across your face, including the jaw and neck area. Follow the bottle's directions rather than guessing a product specific amount.
3. 3Leave washcloths, loofahs and scrubbing brushes out of the cleansing step. Fingertips are enough, and scrubbing can irritate skin.
4. 4Rinse with lukewarm water until the cleanser, bubbles and residue are fully removed.
5. 5Pat dry with a clean, soft towel instead of rubbing. Leave skin slightly damp for moisturizer.
6. 6Apply moisturizer after washing. Use a gentle touch around your eyes so you do not pull on the delicate skin.

Water alone does not remove oily particles as effectively as a cleanser. Cold water is acceptable if you prefer it, but lukewarm water is a practical default. The useful distinction is between removing what has collected on your skin and washing away more of its natural oils than necessary.4

How often should you use face wash?

For most people, wash once in the morning and once at night, plus after heavy sweating. Oily skin generally benefits from cleanser morning and evening. For dry or sensitive skin, try water alone in the morning and cleanser at night. If you wash only once daily, choose the evening.25

Wash as soon as possible after heavy sweating, particularly when wearing a hat or helmet. That extra wash addresses sweat rather than creating a schedule of repeated washing throughout the day. Face washing in the shower counts, even without a separate appointment at the sink.25

Do you need to wash for a full minute?

There is no standard wash time for every cleanser. The social media rule of washing for 60 seconds is not a universal requirement. Massage gently and rinse thoroughly; use the current product's directions for any specified contact time.5

Choose the routine around your skin

Dry skin can feel rough or itchy and look flaky; oily skin tends to look shiny and feel greasy. Combination skin has both dry and oily areas. Sensitive skin can sting or burn after product use. Use those responses to guide your choice rather than selecting a cleanser solely by its front label.3

Will you need a makeup remover first?

If you wear makeup, try removing it with a cleansing balm, oil cleanser or micellar water before using a gentle face wash. Without makeup, a second cleansing stage is generally unnecessary and can be more drying. Remove makeup before bed rather than leaving it on overnight.57

Cleansing wipes are a backup when you cannot reach a sink, not the main daily method. Their preservatives and the rubbing needed to use them can be harsh on skin.5

What goes on after face wash?

Using a cleanser before skincare removes dirt, oil and debris, rather than asking the rest of the routine to work over yesterday's leftovers. Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to help trap water in the skin. Oily skin needs moisturizer too. A moisturizing wash does not make this separate step redundant.3

For daytime protection, use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Broad spectrum means protection against both types of ultraviolet radiation. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection can form the basic routine without adding several more products.3

What should you expect from face wash?

A basic cleanser removes dirt, pollutants and excess surface oil during washing. Acne is different: pores become blocked by excess oil and dead skin cells, and inflammation can develop. Acne is not a sign that your face is dirty, so repeated washing is not a substitute for treatment.467

If acne is your main concern, a pharmacist can advise on treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Medicated cleansers containing these ingredients are different from a basic cleansing wash. Do not assume a Simple face wash contains an acne treatment ingredient without checking its label.46

What if washing makes your skin uncomfortable?

If washing leaves your skin dry or irritated, switch to a gentler cleanser or use a thicker moisturizer. Avoid trying to fix the problem by scrubbing or washing more often. Frequent washing can irritate skin, and scrubbing can make acne worse.567

See a doctor if acne is not improving with treatment, if spots are deep, painful or causing scars, or if acne is affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen skin with redness also needs medical assessment; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Prescription treatments are available when shop or pharmacy products are not enough.6