Washing your face sounds simple. Splash some water, grab a cleanser, rub it in, rinse, and you’re done (easy-peasy). Well, maybe not so easy because if you’ve ever dealt with breakouts, dry patches, redness, or that tight, squeaky feeling after cleansing, you already know there’s more to it than that.
Learning how to wash your face properly can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels. It sets the foundation for your entire skin care routine, helps your other products work better, and can even help to prevent a lot of common skin issues before they even start to become a problem.
Let’s break down how to cleanse your face, how often you should do it, which cleansers work best for different skin types, and when double cleansing actually makes sense in your daily routine.
Why Washing Your Face Matters More Than You Think
Throughout the day, your skin collects oil, sweat, dirt, sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants. If those sit on your skin too long, they can clog pores, trigger breakouts, and interfere with your skin’s natural barrier leaving you looking dull.
Washing your face too aggressively or with the wrong product can strip away natural oils and leave your skin irritated or dry. It might even lead to breakouts.
The goal isn’t to get your face as clean as possible. Instead, the goal is actually to get it clean enough, without disrupting your skin.
That’s where technique and product choice matter when washing your face every day.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
For most people, twice a day works best when washing your face.
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Morning: To remove oil and sweat that builds up overnight while you’re sleeping.
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Night: To wash away makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s buildup before you go to sleep.
If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you might find that a gentle rinse or very mild cleanser in the morning is enough, while keeping your full cleanse for nighttime to truly lift away debris from the day.
How to Wash Your Face Properly (Step by Step)
If you want the short version, here it is. Then we’ll get into the details so you have a better idea of what to do to keep your skin clean and looking good.
Start with Lukewarm Water When Washing Your Face
Hot water can strip your skin and trigger redness and irritation. Always remember that cold water doesn’t cleanse as effectively. Lukewarm is the sweet spot when washing your face effectively.
Use the Right Amount of Cleanser
You don’t need a huge dollop of cleanser to clean your face. A nickel-sized amount is usually plenty to lift away makeup, oil, and debris.
Massage Gently
Use your fingertips, not a washcloth or scrub brush to work in the cleanser. Massage in small circles for about 30 to 60 seconds. This helps loosen debris without irritating your skin.
Rinse Thoroughly
Leftover cleanser can cause dryness or breakouts. You should always take your time and make sure it’s fully rinsed away when cleaning your face.
Pat Dry
Don’t rub your face with a towel to dry the skin after washing. Instead, gently pat it dry.
That’s it. Keep your face wash routine simple, but effective.
Choosing the Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type
Not all cleansers are created equal. The best face wash is the one that works with your skin, and not against it.
Here’s how to choose based on your skin type.
Face Wash for Dry and Sensitive Skin
If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or irritated after cleansing, it’s a sign your cleanser might be too harsh and you need to be using a gentler choice.
Dry and sensitive skin types do best with cream-based cleansers that clean without stripping. Look for formulas made with natural ingredients that support the skin barrier rather than breaking it down which can cause damage.
A great option here is Brightside Cream Cleanser from Eight Saints Skincare. The facial cleanser is designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin. When used, it cleanses gently while leaving skin soft and comfortable instead of tight.
Cream cleansers are especially helpful if:
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Your skin feels dry after washing
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You deal with redness or sensitivity
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You live in a colder or drier climate
For dry skin, cleansing should feel nourishing, and not aggressive.
Face Wash for Oily and Normal Skin
Oily skin needs cleansing that removes excess oil without triggering even more oil production. Achieving that balance matters when picking an effective facial cleanser.
Gel cleansers are usually the best choice for oily and normal skin types. They cleanse deeply, feel refreshing, and rinse clean without leaving residue behind on your skin which leads to irritation.
Down to Earth Mud Gel Cleanser is a solid face wash for oily skin because it helps remove oil and impurities while keeping skin balanced so it doesn’t feel tight or dry. It’s also a good option if your skin sits somewhere between normal and oily or changes with the seasons.
Signs a gel cleanser is right for you:
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Your skin gets shiny by midday
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You struggle with clogged pores
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You want a clean, refreshed feeling after washing
If your skin feels squeaky or overly tight after cleansing, that’s usually a sign the cleanser is too strong.
Best Acne Face Wash for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin can be tricky. You want something that targets breakouts without completely drying your skin out which can cause problems later.
Harsh acne cleansers can sometimes make acne worse by damaging the skin barrier, leading to more irritation and oil production over time.
A better approach is a cleanser designed specifically for acne-prone skin that balances oil, clears pores, and supports healthy skin so you experience fewer breakouts.
Quality Control Acne Face Wash is a strong option if breakouts are a regular issue for you. It’s formulated to help keep pores clear while still being gentle enough for daily use.
This type of best acne face wash works well if:
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You deal with frequent breakouts
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You want something stronger than a basic cleanser
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You’re building a more targeted skin care routine
Consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to cleaning acne-prone skin.
What About Face Wash for Dry Skin vs Oily Skin?
It’s worth saying again because it’s such a common mistake:
Using the wrong cleanser for your skin type can create problems you didn’t have before.
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Using a gel cleanser meant for oily skin on dry skin can cause irritation to your skin.
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Using a heavy cream cleanser on very oily skin can feel uncomfortable or lead to congestion and breakouts.
Matching your cleanser to your skin type is one of the easiest improvements you can make for your skin’s health and appearance.
Double Cleansing: What It Is and When You Need It
You’ve probably heard about double cleansing, especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen daily.
Double cleansing simply means cleansing your face twice, using two different types of cleansers to really get to the root of the problem after a long, hard day.
Step One: Break Everything Down
The first cleanse focuses on removing makeup, sunscreen, and surface-level oil so your skin can breath and cleansers are more effective.
Step Two: Clean the Skin
The second cleanse actually cleans your skin. It works by removing leftover impurities and sweat.
Double cleansing can be especially helpful if:
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You wear makeup regularly
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You use mineral or water-resistant sunscreen
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You live in a polluted environment
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You notice breakouts even though you cleanse at night
You don’t need to double cleanse every single day, but it can make a big difference when your skin feels congested or dull for a long, sweaty day or after wearing excessive makeup.
How Double Cleansing Fits Into Your Skin Care Routine
If you double cleanse, it should happen at night. There’s usually no need to do it in the morning.
A simple evening skin care routine might look like this:
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First cleanse
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Second cleanse
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Toner or essence (optional)
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Serum
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Moisturizer
Cleansing sets the stage. Everything else works better on clean, balanced skin.
Common Face Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best face wash, a few habits can get in the way.
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Over-Cleansing: More isn’t better. Washing too often can strip your skin and cause irritation.
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Using Hot Water: Hot water feels nice but can damage your skin barrier over time.
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Scrubbing Too Hard: Cleansing should never hurt. Gentle pressure is enough.
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Skipping Nighttime Cleansing: Even if you don’t wear makeup, cleansing at night matters.
Why Natural Ingredients Matter in Cleansers
Cleansers are rinse-off products, but they still matter to your skin’s health and appearance. Using formulas with natural ingredients can help support your skin instead of overwhelming it with feelings of being heavy.
Well-formulated cleansers focus on:
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Removing impurities gently
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Supporting the skin barrier
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Avoiding unnecessary harsh additives
This is especially important if you cleanse twice a day.
Putting It All Together
Learning how to wash your face isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding a routine that works for your skin and sticking with it.
Whether you’re focused on hydration, oil control, or breakouts, the right cleanser makes everything else easier.
Once you’ve found the right best face wash for your skin type and settled into a routine, your skin usually tells you pretty quickly when things are working.
Build a Routine That Works for You
Everyone’s skin is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all routine rarely works.
If you want to take things a step further, you can use the Eight Saints Bundle Builder to create a custom routine that fits your skin type, lifestyle, and goals. It’s an easy way to put together a complete routine that actually makes sense for your unique skin. Always remember that sometimes, better skin starts with simply washing your face the right way.