Test Your Knowledge

Washing the face is a way to remove dirt, sweat and oil from the facial skin. It also helps remove makeup, dead skin cells and bacteria. In general, the face should be washed once in the morning and once in the evening. People should also wash their faces after engaging in an activity that causes a lot of perspiration, such as exercising or participating in sports.

People who have dry skin, or sensitive skin that is easily irritated, may benefit from washing the face only once a day. For those who are uncomfortable with washing their face only once, the face can be rinsed with cool water in the morning in addition to a thorough cleansing at night. Cleansing products that contain moisturizing ingredients are usually best for those with dry skin. Individuals with sensitive skin may benefit from using a non-soap cleanser. 

People with oily or acne-prone skin, and those that live in warm and humid environments, may benefit from washing their face three times a day. This will enable them to remove extra oil (sebum) on the skin. Those using soaps or other cleansing products specifically designed for oily skin may only need to wash their face twice a day. This is because, when compared to other products, these specialized products strip more oil away from the skin. They are also less likely to contain oil. Soaps containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are good options for people with oily skin.  

Regardless of a person’s skin type (e.g., oily, dry, sensitive), it is important to cleanse the face gently. Tips for properly washing the face include:

• Remove eye makeup, if used. People should use moisturizing cream and a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton ball to remove makeup from the eyes. This will prevent damaging the gentle tissue around the eyes. Petroleum jelly or another oil-based product may also be necessary to remove heavy or waterproof makeup.
  
  
• Avoid using hot water. Water that is too hot can dry out the skin. Lukewarm water should be used instead.
  
  
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps strip oil from the skin and often lack additives such as moisturizers or moisture retainers. As a result, they can cause the skin to dry out. People may benefit from avoiding products with lauryl sulfates and choosing products with sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates and cocoamphodiacetates. Products labeled as “mild” may also be a good choice.
  
  
• Avoid irritating additives. Additives such as perfumes and dyes can irritate sensitive skin. They may also trigger an allergic response. People with sensitive skin may benefit from avoiding products with irritating additives.
  
  
• Use the hands. Washing the face with a washcloth can be too rough on the skin, and in some cases, can induce acne. People should only use their fingertips to wash their face.
  
  
• Pat dry. After rinsing the face thoroughly, a soft cotton towel should be used to pat or blot, and not rub, the face dry.

Individuals may also benefit from occasionally exfoliating their facial skin. Exfoliators are creams that use abrasion to gently remove dead skin cells. Skin exfoliation is a good option for many people with oily or normal skin, but it is not usually recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin. 

Some people may also choose to follow their face washing with a toner or astringent. When applied to the face, these products remove oil and soap residue from the skin. They contain water, alcohol or witch hazel, propylene glycol and salicylic acid. As a result, they generally have a drying effect. While some people like the tight feeling these products produce, others find toners and astringents to be too drying.

People may also choose to use a moisturizer on their face to help hydrate the skin and prevent dryness. The specific type of moisturizer a person should use depends on a number of factors including the person’s skin type and age, as well as the presence of other skin disorders such as acne or wrinkles. Using a sunscreen-containing moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is also an effective method of preventing sun damage and skin cancer.

Moisturizers come in a variety of forms (e.g., creams, lotions) and range in consistency from light to heavy. In general, lighter formulations are better choices for the face. Although people with aging skin, which tends to be dry, may benefit from the daily use of a heavier night cream in addition to a light-to-medium moisturizer during the day.

The labels on cleansers, moisturizers and other skin products often specify that the product is formulated for use on the face. In many cases, they also indicate the type of skin the product is intended for. Patients who are unsure about the types of products they should be using can consult a dermatologist for advice.