Howto Wash Your face for Clearer, Healthier Skin

Plus six tips to make it easier.

If you’ve ever wondered how to wash your face the right way, you’re not alone. I mean, how hard could it be? Just splash some water on your face, rub in a little cleanser and rinse, right? Well, yyes, yes, it can be that simple for some people. But figuring out how to properly wash your face for your specific skin type takes a little more work than that.

But it’s also worth the effort to get it right. Cleansing your face washes away dirt, dead skin cells, makeup, and anything else that might clog your pores or cause a general dullness. And, depending on the type of cleanser you use, it could also help treat specific skin conditions, such as acne. “Proper facial cleansing prevents acne breakouts, can improve skin health, and may even reduce skin inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in the US.

But it’s not only how you wash your face that makes the difference, but also when, how often, and what type of face wash you use. Are you putting your scrubbing to good use? Here are some easy ways to make sure you’re cleansing properly – and make your cleansing routine even more effective. Learn them now, so you’ll know how to wash your face the right way every time.

1 At the bare minimum, wash your face every night.

Washing your face at night is a hardand-fast rule when it comes to caring for your skin, and it holds true even if you don’t wear makeup. “During the day, natural oils and sweat accumulate on the skin,” Dr Zeichner says. “We’re exposed to the environment, which means that dirt and pollution build up on the outer layer of our skin.” Not removing this dirt and gunk at the end of the day can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and acne breakouts.

2 Also, wash your face in

the morning.

You might think cleansing your skin before bed is all you need to wake up fresh-faced, but another rinse in the morning is a good idea. “While you’re tossing and turning at night, bacteria from your saliva and oils from your hair are easily transferred to your face and eyes,” says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian. So even if you wash your face at night and your pillowcases often, a morning cleanse is best practice. Plus, if you’re putting on products like treatments, serums, moisturisers or night creams before bed, you must wash those off in the morning before putting on your daytime products. Bare in mind that you may need to use a different cleanser in the morning than the one you use at night. If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, for instance, you should use micellar water or a super-gentle cleanser in the morning. And if you’re using a salicylic-acid-containing cleanser to help manage your acne, you may find that it’s too harsh or drying to use twice a day.

3 Avoid hot water.

“Extreme temperatures, such as hot, steamy showers, can cause dilation of blood vessels and breakage of delicate tissue,” Dr Zeichner says.

“Furthermore, hot water naturally strips the skin of the necessary oil barrier that helps maintain its integrity.” This means your skin will dry out faster, and become more itchy and flaky over time.

This is especially an issue for those with dry or sensitive skin to be aware of because their skin is already more vulnerable to drying out or reacting badly to extremes. Also, heat can be a trigger for rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and acne-like bumps. So, it’s important to use lukewarm water instead.

4 Is your cleanser right for your skin type?

When looking for a facial cleanser, consider things like your skin type (if your skin is generally oily, dry, normal or a combination of these), if you have sensitive skin, if you’re acneprone, and if you have any other skin conditions (like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis).

If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, a gentle or creamy cleanser would work for you. But those with oily skin are usually able to tolerate gel or foamy cleansers more easily. And for those with normal skin, a basic water-based cleanser would be great. You can also try using something like a cleansing oil or balm, which tend to be more moisturising than traditional cleansers and can cut through thicker makeup and sunscreens.

But if you have no idea where to start or how to figure out your skin type, it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist to help figure out what’ll work for you.

5 If you must use a bar of soap, look for something super-gentle.

If you’re lucky enough not to have sensitive skin, you might reach for a random bar of soap, lather up, and start your day. But these harsh cleansers can strip the skin of it’s natural hyrdation, which can leave your face vulnerable to inflammation and dry skin, Dr Zeichner says.

Instead, he recommends using gentle cleansers that respect the delicate balance of your skin. If you still want to keep it simple with a bar or solid cleanser, try using Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar (R13.99, Clicks). Not only is it gentle and easy to use, but it’s also great for travelling because you don’t have to think about liquid regulations at the airport.

6 Only wash your face as often as you have to.

Ideally, you should be washing your face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) as well as after workouts or excessive sweating. But that’s the maximum.

“Washing your face more than this to remove germs is not a real necessity for people, unless they’re prone to skin infections,” says Jerome Garden, director of the Physicians Laser and Dermatology Institute in the US. “Not only does too much washing lead to dry, irritated skin, but it can cause the skin to produce too much oil.” So, the vast majority of us should stick to the twice-a-day routine.

On the other hand, some people with extremely dry or sensitive skin find that even using a cleanser twice a day irritates their skin. They may be better using a splash of water or micellar water in the morning and a gentle cleanser in the evening.