Face Wash, Cleansers, and Expert Cleansing Tips from Dermatologists
Washing your face properly is more than just a daily routine—it’s essential for healthy, radiant skin. How you cleanse impacts your skin’s barrier, hydration, and overall glow.
Here, dermatologist-backed advice will help you master your cleansing ritual.
Why Proper Face Washing Matters
Cleansing your face removes dirt, oils, pollutants, and makeup that build up daily. But not all cleansers or techniques are created equal.
The wrong cleanser or harsh washing can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts.
To get the most from your cleansing routine, tailor it to your unique skin type and follow expert-approved steps. Your skin will thank you!
How to Wash Your Face the Right Way: 9 Simple Steps
Dermatologists recommend this step-by-step routine for effective, gentle cleansing:
Choose a cleanser that suits your Baumann Skin Type (more on this soon).
Pour about a teaspoon of warm, filtered water into your palm.
Add roughly 1/4 teaspoon of cleanser to the water.
Swirl the water and cleanser to mix.
Gently apply the mixture to your face in a circular motion.
Massage lightly over your nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, and jawline.
Rinse thoroughly with warm, filtered water.
Rinse your face a second time to ensure all cleanser is removed.
Pat your face dry gently with a soft, clean cloth—no rubbing!
This routine protects your skin barrier and helps maintain hydration while cleansing.
Why Your Skin Type Matters When Choosing a Cleanser
Not all skin is the same, so your cleanser shouldn’t be either. The Baumann Skin Type system categorizes skin into 16 types based on oil production, sensitivity, and other factors.
Using a cleanser made for your specific type keeps your skin balanced and happy.
Cleansers that don’t fit your skin type can strip moisture, worsen redness, or clog pores. Taking the Baumann Skin Type quiz can guide you to the best product choices.
How to Wash Your Face in the Shower: 13 Dermatologist-Approved Steps
Showering is a great time to cleanse your face, but timing and technique matter. Here’s a step-by-step guide for shower face washing:
Keep your Baumann Skin Type cleanser handy in the shower.
Turn on the water; hot water is okay briefly but avoid long exposure.
Wash your hair and body first—this helps open pores.
Rinse shampoo and apply conditioner.
Leave the conditioner in your hair while you wash your face.
Turn water temperature to warm—too hot can irritate skin.
Rinse out your conditioner thoroughly before cleansing your face.
Squeeze 1/4 teaspoon of cleanser into your wet palm.
Avoid washing your face with shampoo—it can be irritating.
Apply cleanser in gentle circular motions on cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
Massage lightly to loosen dirt and oils.
Rinse thoroughly for at least 30 seconds to remove all cleanser.
When you exit the shower, pat your face dry with a clean towel.
This approach helps ensure your skin is clean without stripping natural oils.
Can You Just Wash Your Face with Water?
If you thoroughly cleanse your face before bedtime and apply no heavy products, rinsing with water in the morning is okay. Water alone removes sweat and surface oils gently.
However, cleansers help other skincare products absorb better. So using a cleanser tailored to your skin type improves the efficacy of serums and moisturizers.
Should You Use a Washcloth to Clean Your Face?
Using a washcloth is optional. They can help remove stubborn products like:
Sunscreen, Makeup, Face paint, Heavy oils or creams
If you don’t wear these, gentle hand washing with cleanser is usually sufficient and less abrasive.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
The frequency depends mainly on your Baumann Skin Type:
Oily skin: Wash 2-3 times daily, depending on oil production.
Acne-prone skin: Twice daily to control breakouts.
Clogged pores: Twice daily to keep pores clear.
Dry skin: Once at night to avoid stripping moisture.
Rosacea-prone skin: Typically once at night to minimize irritation.
Melasma: Twice daily to manage pigment issues.
With 16 Baumann types, your perfect routine may vary. Taking the quiz will provide personalized guidance.
Is Washing Your Face Every Day Necessary?
Yes! Daily cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oils, and environmental pollutants. But always use a cleanser suited for your skin type to avoid damage.
Can You Wash Your Face Three Times a Day?
For very oily skin, washing three times (morning, afternoon, night) is acceptable. This also works if you exercise or sweat during the day.
Use a gentle cleanser and avoid overusing active ingredients like hydroxy acids more than twice daily, as they can irritate skin.
Washing Dry Skin: Tips and Frequency
Dry skin needs gentle care. If your face was clean before bed, you can skip washing in the morning. But if you apply a serum like Vitamin C in the morning, a mild hydroxy acid cleanser can improve absorption.
Creamy, non-foaming cleansers with fatty acids and lipids protect your barrier and hydrate your skin while cleansing.
Washing Oily Skin: Best Practices
Oily skin types should wash twice daily, morning and night. If very oily, add a midday cleanse using a gentle face wash or cleansing pads.
Avoid harsh soaps that strip oil excessively, which can backfire by triggering more oil production.
How Often Should Acne-Prone Skin Be Washed?
Wash acne-prone skin twice daily with a cleanser suited to your Baumann Skin Type. The right cleanser helps acne treatments work better and reduces excess oil and bacteria.
Caring for Rosacea-Prone Skin
If you have rosacea, especially if your skin is inflamed or stinging, washing once a day at night is often best.
Use a cleanser designed for sensitive skin with soothing, anti-redness ingredients to calm irritation.
Is Soap Safe for Your Face?
Most skin types should avoid traditional bar soaps. They contain harsh detergents that damage the skin barrier.
Very oily skin types might tolerate soap occasionally. If you use soap, opt for syndet bars like Dove, which are gentler and less drying.
How Many Cleansers Do You Need?
The number depends on your Baumann Skin Type, your dermatologist’s recommendations, and your skin care phase.
Some people use a single cleanser, while others have two—one gentle daily cleanser and an exfoliating scrub a few times a week.
What About Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is needed only if you wear waterproof sunscreen, heavy makeup, or face paint. Start with an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover, then follow with your regular cleanser.
This removes stubborn residues without harsh scrubbing.
Makeup Removal Tips
Micellar waters are excellent makeup removers, especially for sensitive skin. Recommended brands include:
Avene Micellar Lotion, Bioderma Hydrabio H2O, La Roche-Posay Micellar Water
Use micellar water to gently dissolve makeup before cleansing.
Can You Remove Makeup Without Makeup Remover?
Yes, but it requires a double cleanse:
Use your cleanser twice, or
Use two different cleansers, or
Use a cleansing oil followed by your cleanser.
This ensures complete removal without irritation.
Using the Same Cleanser for Face and Body?
Face cleansers can be used on your body, but never use body cleansers on your face. Body washes often contain pore-clogging ingredients that cause breakouts.
Can You Wash Your Face with Shampoo?
Generally, no. Shampoos contain detergents that irritate facial skin. Even baby shampoo is not recommended.
The only exception is dandruff shampoos with zinc pyrithione, which can help seborrheic dermatitis on the face but may dry skin. Use soothing moisturizers alongside.
Why Does My Skin Feel Dry After Washing?
Feeling dry or tight after washing is common. It takes 15-20 minutes for your skin’s sebaceous glands to replace oils removed during cleansing.
This temporary dryness is normal and does not always mean you have dry skin.
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
Choose creamy, non-foaming cleansers with fatty acids and lipids that support your skin barrier. Avoid harsh detergents and thick foams, which can worsen dryness and sensitivity.
Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Soap: What’s the Difference?
“Face wash” and “cleanser” are often interchangeable, referring to liquid or gel products that clean your skin gently.
“Soap” usually means bar soap, which contains detergents that can strip and harm the skin barrier, so it’s best avoided on the face.
Final Thoughts: Building a Skincare Routine
A customized skincare routine tailored to your Baumann Skin Type can transform your skin health. Using the right cleanser is the foundation of any good routine.
Take the Baumann Skin Type quiz, consult with your dermatologist, and choose products that respect your skin’s unique needs.