11 Dos and Don’ts for Washing Your Face

There’s no denying that a daily facial cleanser is basically the crux of any good skincare routine. Regular cleansing helps get rid of impurities, such as dirt and oil, so your complexion appears smooth, radiant, and balanced. But while face washing may seem like a basic step, the truth is that there is actually some technique involved—and knowing how to wash your face properly can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your skin.

Ahead, we’re outlining everything you need to know about this fundamental skincare step, including how to use face wash and how often to lather up. Be sure to heed this list of dos and don’ts the next time you head to your sink or vanity.

How To Wash Your Face Properly

The right face cleansing method can play a huge role in how your skin looks and feels—both in the short-term and in the long-term. Here are six tips to keep in mind when you’re washing at the start—or end—of the day.

1. Do pick the right daily facial cleanser

While understanding the steps to washing your face is important (and we’ll get to those), it doesn’t mean much if you’re using the wrong cleanser for your skin. For the best results, choose a facial cleanser based on your skin type and needs—whether oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone—to help maintain a strong skin barrier and prevent issues like irritation or breakouts.

If you have dry skin, look for cream-based formulas that help hydrate while cleansing. We love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. The creamy facial cleanser is specially formulated to nourish skin, boost radiance, and gently exfoliate while removing all traces of impurities and makeup.

For a cleanser suitable for all skin types (even sensitive), consider the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleanser. This daily gel cleanser, which boasts glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and aloe extract, gently exfoliates to reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. With continued use, it can also help visibly reduce the look of rough, uneven texture and enlarged pores.

2. Do wet your hands and face

Before applying your chosen cleanser, wet your hands and splash your face with water. Wet hands help create a better lather with the cleanser, which can enhance its ability to grab onto all that dirt and oil before rinsing. Plus, the added moisture allows the cleanser to spread more evenly across your face, ensuring a more thorough wash.

3. Do massage your cleanser in

Your daily face-washing session is a great excuse to squeeze in a pampering facial massage. And it couldn’t be easier to indulge in the self-care ritual: Applying light pressure, use your fingertips to massage the cleanser onto your skin in gentle, upward strokes for about 60 seconds. Focus on your forehead, cheeks, and jawline (avoid the eye area) before rinsing your face thoroughly.

4. Do adjust your water temperature

Speaking of rinsing: The best way to wash your face is typically with lukewarm water. Hotter temperatures can strip your skin of natural oils and moisture, leaving it feeling dry and tight afterward. So when in doubt, turn down the temperature. Rinsing with cooler water can also help reduce the chances of aggravating redness or irritating sensitive skin.

5. Do use a dedicated skincare towel

Knowing the steps to washing your face is only part of the puzzle—understanding how to dry it matters, too. With that said, think twice before picking up that hand towel by the sink, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Instead, use an assigned facial towel or cloth to dry your complexion. This can help ward off acne flares and keep potentially irritating fragrances from lotions or soaps off your face. Be sure to swap out your towel regularly (every couple of uses, at least) to minimize the chance of transferring bacteria to your skin. Even better: Get a multi-pack of face towels and use a new one each day.

6. Do apply moisturizer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best time to apply moisturizer is within a few minutes of cleansing to help trap in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. After rinsing your face, use your towel to blot excess water from your skin so it’s damp but not dripping, and then layer on your usual products, ending with moisturizer.

Similar to your daily facial cleanser, you’ll want your moisturizer to align with your skin type and needs. However, the time of day also plays a major role in this decision. In the morning, for example, you may want to reach for a moisturizer that includes SPF in its formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. This multi-tasking anti-aging moisturizer helps reduce wrinkles while firming and brightening your skin tone in as little as one week. When nighttime rolls around, you may want to apply a more reparative formula. Consider completing your face-washing routine with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide to help firm skin, smooth wrinkles, and improve uneven skin tone and texture while you sleep.

What Not To Do When Washing Your Face

Now that you’re clued in on how to use face cleanser and how to effectively wash your face, you should also be aware of a few common mistakes people make while cleansing:

1. Don’t cleanse with dirty hands

Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before sudsing up with your daily facial cleanser. Otherwise, washing your face with dirty hands can transfer bacteria, oils, and dirt to your skin, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, or irritation. Clean hands ensure that your face-cleansing method can effectively remove impurities without introducing new contaminants to the mix.

2. Don’t be too rough

Good skincare is all about treating your skin kindly, so handle it with care. Try to avoid harsh scrubbing while cleansing, especially if you’re experiencing breakouts. Gentle cleansing (like with a soft cloth or just your fingertips) helps ensure you don’t irritate your skin or disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

3. Don’t over-cleanse your skin

When it comes to how regularly you should wash your face, twice a day (morning and night) is generally sufficient. In the morning, cleansing helps remove excess oils and bacteria that can accumulate overnight from sweating or rubbing against your pillowcase. At night, cleansing is the key to eliminating makeup, SPF, dirt, and pollution that can build up throughout the day.

Your lifestyle also plays a role in dictating your face washing schedule. If you typically hit the gym mid-day, you’ll want to cleanse immediately after exercising to help keep your skin clear and fresh.

4. Don’t dry out your skin

We spoke to this a little bit above, but it bears repeating. While using hot water to cleanse your skin might feel relaxing, it’s not the best option. That’s because hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier. (The same goes for showers, too—lukewarm water is always the better option). Remember to moisturize every time you wash your face to help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. If you need a lightweight option that layers well under makeup, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer.

5. Don’t rub your face dry

Your facial skin is relatively delicate and requires gentle care to look and feel its best. So after lathering up, avoid aggressively rubbing your face dry with a towel. The practice may make your skin feel smoother in the short term, but it can also irritate your skin and leave you more vulnerable to concerns like redness, dryness, and irritation. To maintain a healthy-looking complexion, lightly pat your face with a clean towel or cotton cloth to help absorb moisture and prevent unnecessary friction.

Next Up: What Does Face Toner Do For Your Skin?