Washing your face may seem like a simple task, but according to skincare experts, a few can’t-miss steps in the process can make all the difference for the health of your skin.
“When cleansing your face, it’s important to eliminate bacteria and dirt while not over-stripping your skin of its much-needed natural oils,” says Jasmine Martinez, a licensed esthetician at LifeSpa in Peoria, Ariz. “This helps to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, as well as clear up acne breakouts and prevent future blemishes.”
We asked Martinez, and Joee Nelson, master esthetician as LifeSpa in Eden Prairie, Minn., to share their guidance for optimal cleansing.
How to Wash Your Face
Martinez recommends washing your face twice a day: In the morning when you wake up and at night as part of your bedtime routine. However, your morning and night routines will look a little different.
How to Morning Cleanse
- Choose a gentle cleanser that meets the needs of your skin type. A cream cleanser is a great product for the morning as they are often more hydrating and work well for anyone with normal to dry skin, according to Martinez. A gel cleanser is a good option for someone with oiler skin.
- With clean hands, apply a dime-size amount of cleanser directly from your fingertips to your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead.
- With the tips of your finger pads, massage your face gently using circular motions to create a lather. Massage the cleanser into your skin for about one to two minutes.
- Rinse the skin by splashing warm water on your face. Make sure you rinse enough to remove all the cleanser.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do not use the same towel you use to dry your hands or body and ideally, use a fresh, clean towel every day.
How to Nighttime Cleanse
At night, Martinez recommends employing the double-cleanse routine. The purpose of a double cleanse is to thoroughly clean your face of makeup, your daytime skincare products, and the day’s grime, as well as to prep for the absorption of your nighttime skincare products.
1. For the first cleanse: It’s best to use an oil-based cleanser as the oil can quickly break down makeup, SPF, and any accrued pollutants from the day. Apply this cleanser with clean fingertips directly onto the face and rub gently for one to two minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
2. For the second cleanse: Choose a cleanser based on your skin type to remove excess oil from the first cleanse and any residual makeup, skincare products, dirt, or bacteria. If your skin tolerates it, Martinez recommends a gel-based cleanser for this step, as a cream-based cleanser after the first oil cleanse can cause build up. For the second cleanse, follow the application and rinse steps of the morning cleanse.
How to Wash Your Face After a Workout
Before you focus on the post-workout wash, it’s worth knowing that good gym skincare starts before you even break a sweat.
The Pre-Workout Cleanse
It’s important to start your workout with a clean face, according to Nelson. If you don’t want to carry a facial cleanser with you, cleansing wipes are a great alternative to remove any face makeup, dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.
“Sweating while wearing heavy makeup can suffocate the skin and lead to sensitivity, irritation, or breakouts,” Nelson says. “When sweat mixes with bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils on your skin, it can clog pores and trigger these reactions, especially if it sits on your skin too long.”
Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow) and lip products can stay, according to Nelson, as they’re not typically applied to breakout-prone areas like your cheeks, forehead, or chin.
“These products also aren’t affected by sweat in the same way as face makeup — though they might smudge if you’re doing an intense workout,” Nelson explains. “If you’re worried about looking put together, eye and lip makeup can be a nice balance without compromising your skin health.”
If you’re working out first thing in the morning and your skin was cleansed the night before, simply rinse your face with water,” Nelson adds.
The Post-Workout Cleanse
As soon as you’ve finished exercising (or sweating in the sauna or steam room), it’s important to wash your hands and then cleanse your face right away. “Don’t wait longer than 30 minutes as leaving sweat on your face for hours post-workout can clog pores, leading to breakouts and skin sensitivity,” says Nelson.
“Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains salt, which can be drying and irritating,” Nelson explains. “It also contains proteins and toxins that can mix with skin debris and cause issues. When sweat mixes with your natural oils (sebum) and dead skin sitting on the surface, it creates a film that can settle into your pores.”
1. Start by using a gentle cleanser. This is advised since there is no makeup to remove and it will remove sweat and oils without drying out the skin. “I like using the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex,” Nelson adds. “This gentle gel cleanser effectively removes oil and impurities without irritating your skin. You can also use cleansing wipes if that’s easier for you.”
2. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Be sure to not use the same towel you used to dry your hands or body.
3. Prep your skin for the rest of the day. Once your skin is cleansed, re-apply your moisturizer, SPF, and any other products or makeup you use if you’re getting ready for the day. If it’s a nighttime workout, simply cleanse and apply your evening skincare regimen.
Cleansing Considerations
Add in a Washcloth
In the evening, incorporating a washcloth on your second cleanse can enhance the process by providing physical exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells, residual makeup, and impurities more effectively than just using your hands, according to Martinez.
“The cloth can also help improve circulation and leave your skin feeling smoother,” she adds. “However, it’s important to use a gentle touch to avoid irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. And always use a clean washcloth.”
Water Temperature Matters
Warm water is best when washing your face at home, Martinez advises. “You want enough warmth to help remove bacteria, but if the water is too hot, it can dry out your skin.”
A cold splash of water can also be beneficial. “Rinsing your face with cold water can help tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood circulation,” Martinez notes. “The refreshing effect is especially beneficial for sensitive skin.”
Consider a Sonic Scrubber
One of Martinez’s favorite additions to her cleansing routine is a sonic skin scrubber.
“A sonic skin scrubber provides deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and can improve product absorption when used two to three times per week,” she says. “It can also help reduce the appearance of pores and promote better circulation for a healthier complexion while being gentle on the skin.”
Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
As is the case with most skincare, there may be some trial and error needed to determine which cleanser works best for your skin.
Below are Martinez’s recommended cleansers based on skin type for both morning and night. And for more guidance on the right products for you, ask your esthetician or dermatologist for recommendations.
For Dry or Aging Skin
In the morning, opt for a cream cleanser with a single cleanse to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils. These oils are good to keep the skin hydrated and healthy — this is especially important for aging skin. In the evening, double cleanse using an oil cleanser with a gel cleanser to remove excess oil, makeup, and daily impurities without compromising the skin’s moisture.
For Acne-Prone or Oily Skin
Use a gentle gel cleanser in the morning and opt for an exfoliating cleanser at night, preferably one with enzymes or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). These ingredients are designed to address acne-prone and oily skin concerns and promote skin renewal.
For All Other Skin Types
Martinez recommends Eminence’s Stone Crop cleanser for both morning and night use. This versatile option offers purifying, nourishing, and healing properties suitable for various skin types.
What About Face Wipes?
Martinez shares that she would not use wipes as a replacement for cleansing the skin, but they can be helpful for removing heavy makeup before the evening double cleanse or prior to exercise. She does caution that some cleansing wipes have harsh fragrances, chemicals, and preservatives, so you want to be sure to look for the better options on the market.
“The beauty wipes I use (they’re the Honest brand) I love because they are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, silicone-free, phenoxyethanol-free, and fragrance-free, as well as dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested,” Martinez says.
Martinez also notes that wipes can leave residue behind on your skin and are not the most eco-friendly option. “I personally try to eliminate waste as much as possible, and single-use wipes are something you use once and throw away.”
