The Basics of Face Washing: How to Cleanse Your Skin Like an Expert

Why Is Washing Your Face Such a Big Deal?

“Your skin is your first line of defense against a plethora of external factors, such as pollution and damaging UV rays, that can cause internal damage to your body,” explains licensed esthetician Andrea Ballard. No matter your skin type, the skin on your face is often more sensitive than other parts of the body, and it also takes the most significant hit as it’s exposed to pollutants during the day. Andrea continues, “It’s easy to understand the importance of sanitizing your hands throughout the day to deter the spread of bacteria and viruses, but have you ever thought about how much you may touch your facial skin throughout the day? This fact alone should make you run to your sink at night, even if you don’t wear makeup.”

For makeup wearers, the incentive to wash your face is even greater. Due to our body’s rhythm and hormonal changes, our skin undergoes its most rapid repair and healing at night. Sleeping in your makeup can increase your chance of clogged pores and disrupt your skin’s natural exfoliation process. 

Finally, it’s essential to wash your face to reduce the amount of pollution on your skin. Free radicals (from smoke, toxins, and other pollutants) can cause premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines—no thank you! “Washing your skin regularly is the best first step to healthy, vibrant skin,” says Ballard.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

According to Ballard, you should wash your face “two times daily: morning and night. If you exercise mid-day, it’s helpful to use a gentle cleanser after your workout and reapply your day skincare routine.”

Why is it important to wash your face in the morning? Nighttime skincare products often have active ingredients (think retinol and acids). These ingredients can be broken down by UV light or increase skin sensitivity, so it’s best to start the day with a clean canvas. “I would only suggest a morning water wash if you don’t use active skincare ingredients at night,” Ballard recommends. A morning wash also helps you to have a clean canvas for makeup. 

5 Expert Tips for Washing Your Face

1. Wash Your Hands

It might seem obvious, but washing hands before cleaning your face is vital. “You may have irritants, bacteria, and other harmful substances on your hands and nails that may sensitize your skin,” says Ballard.

2. Use a Gentle Cleanser in the Morning

A general rule of thumb for skincare is to protect your skin during the day and treat it at night. Ballard suggests, “Use a gentle cleanser [in the morning] if your skin type is normal to oily, and a hydrating cleanser if you have normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may only need a water wash.”

The FRESH Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash is a great gentle cleanser that’s pH balanced for all skin types (even sensitive skin) so that it won’t strip or dry your skin. Micellar water like the TARTE™ Micellar Magic Makeup Remover & Cleanser is also an excellent option for gentle cleansing in the morning. 

3. Exfoliate Periodically 

Exfoliating cleansers aren’t a necessary part of every day, but it can be beneficial to exfoliate two to three times a week, depending on your skin’s needs. Exfoliating in the morning can be helpful with a physical exfoliant like the BEFINE SKIN CARE Exfoliating Cleanser. If you are going to use a chemical exfoliant, like ALPHA-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Tonic, opt for nighttime use. 

4. Double Cleanse at Night

Double cleansing is beneficial to your skin if you wear makeup or sunscreen. “At night, I always suggest a double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve makeup and debris, then rinse with water,” explains Ballard. “Next, use a water-based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin and rinse again to prep skin for your nighttime routine.” Try the GO-TO SKINCARE Fancy Face Nourishing Oil Cleanser.

5. Develop a Skincare Routine

Washing your face is just the first step in what should be a consistent skincare routine. After you cleanse, be sure to follow up with products to restore your skin’s moisture and target your needs. Whether you choose a two-step routine or one more thorough, always, at minimum, follow up with a balancing and hydrating moisturizer.  

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Face Enough?

There is such a thing as overwashing your face, which could cause your skin to be dry, stripped of natural oils, or even cause excess sebum production. However, if you don’t wash your face enough, your skin is bound to show it. Gently cleansing your skin removes pore-clogging dirt and oils to reduce the frequency of acne breakouts and blackheads. You could also cause premature aging. Removing pollutants and makeup from your face at the end of the day is key to reducing free radical damage and products that could slow down your skin’s natural exfoliation process. The results could be premature fine lines and wrinkles. 

Our tip? Establish a gentle, nourishing cleansing routine—your skin will thank you.

Are you looking for more skincare advice? Check out skincare routine order 101 to establish your new skincare regimen. Then take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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