Using face wash with a cleansing brush

What should face washing actually do?

Face wash removes dirt, grime and leftover makeup; the name is unusually honest for a skincare product. Cleansing is the first step of a routine, before products you leave on your skin. The practical goal is to remove that buildup gently, not to add an exfoliating tool to every wash.13

Which face wash should you choose?

Choose a gentle cleanser without abrasive particles. Fragrance free products are a better choice for sensitive skin because added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. Introduce one new product at a time. If your skin is sensitive, try a small amount on a small area before applying the cleanser across your face.4

How to wash your face without the brush

1. 1Mix a small amount of cleanser with water. Use lukewarm water rather than very hot or cold water, especially if you have acne.
2. 2Apply the cleanser gently with your hands, using circular motions. If you have a beard, wash the hair and the skin beneath it gently.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly by splashing lukewarm water onto your face. Do not use a washcloth to scrub acne prone skin.
4. 4Gently blot your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after cleansing. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

How often should you wash?

For acne, wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Washing acne affected areas more than twice daily can irritate skin and worsen symptoms. For dry or sensitive skin, washing once daily in the evening can be enough. Remove makeup before bed, and use moisturizer regularly to help relieve dryness and itching. These are washing schedules, not reasons to use a brush at each wash.245

Where does cleansing fit in your routine?

The basic morning order is cleanser, moisturizer, then sunscreen, which is a short enough running order to manage without a rehearsal. At night, cleanse before moisturizing. If you use an acne treatment that stays on your skin, apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer. Adding several new products at once increases the chance of side effects and makes the routine harder to keep simple.1

Will a cleansing brush clear acne or blackheads?

Do not try to scrub acne or blackheads away. Acne develops when excess oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow. Scrubbing irritates skin and can worsen acne. Choose gentle washing and an appropriate acne treatment instead of increasing pressure or adding more washes. A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment for mild spots or blackheads.25

What if your face wash contains benzoyl peroxide?

Treat a medicated wash as medicine, not as a reason to scrub harder. For benzoyl peroxide gel wash, wash your hands, wet the affected skin, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Wash your hands afterwards. Follow the packet or leaflet for your product and start with the lowest strength. Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks; speak to a pharmacist or doctor if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks.7

Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, peeling and irritation. Keep it away from eyes, the mouth, cuts, grazes and infected skin. Use sunscreen because the medicine increases sensitivity to sunlight. Combine benzoyl peroxide with other acne treatments only if a doctor or pharmacist has said you can. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using it; if breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor first.7

When should you stop and get help?

Stop using a cleansing tool or product if it causes skin irritation, and arrange a dermatology appointment. If benzoyl peroxide side effects bother you or do not go away, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. Get medical help for acne that is not improving with treatment, deep or painful spots, or spots that cause scars. Hot, swollen, red skin can be a sign of infection and needs medical assessment; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.127