Washing your face seems simple enough, right? You’ve probably been doing it since you were a toddler. Splash on some water, rub in a little cleanser on your skin, rinse, and you’re good. But have you ever wondered why your skin still feels tight, dry, or breakout-prone even though you do wash it? If so, you’re not alone. The truth is, you might not know how to properly wash your face.
The good news is that learning how to wash your face properly can completely transform the way your skin looks and feels. Believe it or not, washing your face properly is not about adding complicated steps. It’s about doing the basics the right way.
In this article, we’ll tackle the most common FAQs about face washing, break down how often to do it, why the cleanser you use matters, and how to pick the best face wash for your skin type. We’ll also share a few product recommendations from Eight Saints that can help properly wash your face so you look and feel your best.
Why Washing Your Face Matters More Than You Think
Throughout the day, your face collects dirt, oil, sweat, pollution, sunscreen, and makeup. If you don’t wash properly, all that buildup and nasty debris sits on your skin, clogging pores and dulling your natural glow.
Using the right face wash isn’t just about feeling clean. It’s about keeping your skin balanced. A good facial cleanse sets the stage for every other product in your skincare routine. Moisturizers, serums, and treatments all work better on fresh, clean skin.
The Right Way to Wash Your Face
So, what’s the actual correct method to properly wash your face? Here’s a step-by-step guide that works for everyone, regardless of your skin type:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands First
Before you even touch your face, wash your hands. Otherwise, you’re just transferring dirt and bacteria from your fingers straight onto your skin, which can leave it feeling bad and also cause clogged pores that lead to breakouts.
Step 2: Wet Your Face with Lukewarm Water
Hot water strips your skin of natural oils and can cause irritation, especially for sensitive or dry skin. Also, cold water doesn’t break down oil as effectively. You’ll want to find your sweet spot when it comes to water temperature. Lukewarm water works best to clean your face effectively.
Step 3: Apply a Small Amount of Cleanser
You don’t need a giant dollop of cleanser or soap. A dime-sized amount of the best face wash for your skin type is plenty. Massage it gently into your facial skin using your fingertips. Use circular motions with no scrubbing, which can lead to irritation.
Step 4: Cleanse for 30–60 Seconds
This is where a lot of people cut corners. A quick splash and rinse doesn’t give the cleanser time to break down oils, sweat, and sunscreen. Take your time when washing your face. Give it at least half a minute before you rinse your skin.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Leftover cleanser can cause dryness or breakouts. Make sure everything is rinsed off completely so your skin feels clean and fresh.
Step 6: Pat (Don’t Rub) Dry
Use a clean, soft towel and gently pat your skin. Rubbing can cause unnecessary irritation, so always be gentle on your skin.
Step 7: Follow with Moisturizer
Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is essential. Cleansing temporarily strips your skin of necessary oils, so putting hydration back in keeps your skin’s barrier strong.
This is one of the most common questions, but the answer isn’t the same for everyone. You’ll want to tailor your facial washing schedule to fit your skin’s unique needs.
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Morning and Night: For most people, twice a day is ideal. Morning washes remove sweat and oil that have collected overnight (plus a good facial wash can invigorate you so you feel ready to face the day head on), while evening washes clear away sunscreen, pollution, and makeup so you feel ready for a good night’s sleep.
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Once a Day: If your skin is very dry or sensitive, cleansing once at night may be enough. In the morning, you can rinse with water or use a gentle face wash for sensitive skin, like Bright Side Cream Facial Cleanser.
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After Workouts: Always wash your face after you’ve been sweating. Sweat mixes with bacteria and oil, and leaving it on can trigger breakouts. Be sure to wash your face to clear away any sweat and debris buildup.
Why Use Face Wash Instead of Body Wash?
This is a big question that many people ponder, especially in the shower when it might seem easier to use body wash. Some folks wonder why they can’t just grab their trusty body wash and call it a day. Why do you need two cleansers, a body wash and a facial cleanser?
Here’s the deal: Body washes are designed for tougher skin. They often contain harsher detergents and fragrances that can strip delicate facial skin, leaving it dry, red, or irritated.
Facial cleansers are formulated with the pH and needs of facial skin in mind. That’s why picking the best face wash for your face type is worth the effort. Trust us, your facial skin will thank you if you use the proper facial wash.
How to Pick the Best Face Wash for Your Skin
Here’s where things get personal. Your skin type determines which cleanser will give you that fresh, balanced feeling without going overboard. It’s imperative that you pick the best face wash for your skin.
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you deal with breakouts, clogged pores, or too much shine, a salicylic acid face wash may quickly become your best friend. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores, helping to dissolve oil and prevent pimples before they form.
Try: Quality Control Acne Face Wash. It’s formulated with salicylic acid to target blemishes without drying your skin out. This is one of the best face washes for acne if you’re looking for clear, balanced skin.
For Dry Skin
Dry skin needs hydration, not stripping of crucial oils. Choose a face wash for dry skin that’s creamy, gentle, and nourishing.
Try: Bright Side Cream Facial Cleanser. It cleans without foaming and leaves skin feeling soft, not tight.
For Sensitive Skin
Delicate skin needs extra care. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers and fragrance-heavy products.
Try: Down to Earth Gel Facial Cleanser. It’s lightweight, soothing, and perfect as a face wash for sensitive skin that won’t cause flare-ups.
For Oily Skin That Needs Balance
Not everyone with oily skin has acne. If shine is your main concern, look for a face wash for oily skin that removes excess sebum but doesn’t strip your skin. Gel-based cleansers usually hit the mark. Again, Down to Earth Gel Facial Cleanser works beautifully here.
For Dull or Rough Skin
If your face looks a little blah or feels rough to the touch, an exfoliating face wash can help slough off dead skin cells and bring back a healthy glow.
Try: Zen Out of Ten Face Scrub. It’s gentle enough to use a few times a week and gives you that refreshed, just-polished look.
FAQs About Washing Your Face
Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions people have.
Can I Wash My Face Too Much?
Yes. Over-washing strips away your natural oils, which can leave skin dry or trigger it to overproduce oil. Stick to washing your face twice a day unless your dermatologist says otherwise.
Should I Use a Washcloth or Brush?
Your fingers are usually enough to gently massage the facial cleanser into your skin. Washcloths and brushes can be too abrasive, especially for sensitive skin. If you do use them, keep them clean and don’t scrub too hard.
Do I Need Different Cleansers for Morning and Night?
Not necessarily. It depends on what type of skin you have. One good cleanser that suits your skin type is usually enough. Some people like a gentler cream cleanser in the morning and a stronger one, like a salicylic acid face wash, at night.
What If I Don’t Wear Makeup?
Even if you skip makeup, your skin picks up oil, sweat, and pollution throughout the day. A nightly wash is still important so you can go to bed with fresh, clean facial skin. Trust us, your skin will thank you in the morning when you wake up looking and feeling radiant.
Is Double Cleansing Necessary?
Double cleansing, which is using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, is popular, especially if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen. However, if you’re using a good face wash that gets everything off, one step is fine for most people.
How Long Should I Massage in My Cleanser?
Massage your facial cleanser into your skin for at least 30–60 seconds. That’s enough time to loosen dirt and oil without overdoing it.
Matching Your Face Wash to Your Routine
Your cleanser doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to fit with your overall skincare routine. Think of it as step one.
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If you’re acne-prone, pair your best face wash for acne with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
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If you have dry skin, follow your face wash for dry skin with a rich cream to lock in moisture.
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If you exfoliate with an exfoliating face wash, don’t overdo it. A few times a week is enough.
And no matter your skin type, always finish with sunscreen in the morning to give your skin the protection it needs throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to wash your face properly is one of the simplest but most powerful steps you can take for your skin. It’s not about scrubbing harder or adding more products. Instead, it’s about choosing the right facial cleanser for your skin type, using it correctly, and making it part of a consistent routine.
Eight Saints has options for every skin concern, whether you’re battling breakouts with the Quality Control Acne Face Wash, looking to polish up with the Zen Out of Ten Face Scrub, or just need a gentle daily cleanser like the Bright Side Cream Facial Cleanser or Down to Earth Gel Facial Cleanser.
Once you get the basics right of how to properly wash your face, everything else, such as serums, moisturizers, and treatments, has the chance to work better. Your skin will thank you for it.