13 Face Washing Rules and 10 Mistakes to Avoid

You think only water and any face wash is enough to do the job of your face cleansing?

No!

There are certain ways and rules to wash your face the right way. I talked to some of the best dermatologists near me and have gathered all their tips for washing your face the right way which I am going to share with you all in this post.

According to Dr. Janet Alexander Castelino from DermaZeal Clinic:

“Do not be harsh to your skin. Lukewarm water and a mild chemical free cleanser is the best for daily dose of your face washing. Your fingertips are your skin’s best friend when it comes to face washing. Ditch any kind of tools or towels for washing your face. Exfoliate only once a week.”

I had a detailed conversation with her on how to take care of the face skin and revealed some rules for washing the face which is core of all skin care as according to her, the first rule of thumb to keep your skin healthy is to keep it free from all dirt, germs and oils.

13 Rules to follow while washing your face

1. Always use Lukewarm water

Lukewarm water is the best temperature for your delicate facial skin. It helps to unclog pores and cleanses thoroughly. 

2. Use your fingertips to massage your face

Your fingertips are the best for cleansing your face. Massage in gentle circular motions starting from the forehead to the areas around the eyes down the cheeks and then the chin.

3. Do not forget the lips

It’s equally important to cleanse your lips while washing your face. Massage your lips with the same face wash and scrub your lips every alternate day because lips gather a lot of dead skin cells.

4. Use a mild chemical free cleanser

Chemicals can strip your face of all moisture and do more harm than good for your skin. For regular use, choose a cleanser that is alcohol free.

5. Choose products specific to your skin concern

If you have oily skin, choose a cleanser that suits the specific concern, if you have acne prone skin, choose a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl acid and if you have dry skin, choose a cream based moisturising face cleanser.

6. Always double cleanse your face

Double cleansing ensures there is no trace of dirt, makeup and oil in your face and it’s like a sheet of clean canvas in which you can now apply the next products for skin care.

7. Exfoliate only once a week

Over-exfoliation is not good for the skin. It strips the skin of all essential oils and also creates open pores that are prone to attract more dirt and cause acne. Over-exfoliation also damages your skin’s natural barrier.

8. Wash your face in the morning and night and also after you come back home

While washing your face in the morning and night is essential, you cannot leave your skin without washing once it’s sweaty because that’s more harmful. So, once your face sweats, wash it thoroughly.

See also: Should You Wash Your Face Before or After a Shower?

9. Use a microfiber cloth that’s only for your face to pat dry after washing

If you are using the same towel for your face and body, you are doing it wrong my beauties. The towel for the face should be clean and pure and washed everyday before you touch it to the skin of your face.

10. Use a makeup remover to begin with

Simply do not start by applying a face wash directly to your face for removing makeup. A micellar water soaked in cotton pad or a makeup removing wipe should be the first step.

11. Always apply a moisturiser after cleansing your face

Cleansing your face takes out much of the essential oils from the face and makes it dry. So, applying a lightweight moisturiser that does not clog pores is the right step towards a healthy skin.

12. Give your face a steam bath once a week

The pores trap a lot of dirt over the days and so it’s important to open up the pores sometimes in order to take out those clogged germs and dirt. A steam bath is the best way to open up pores. Do not forget to wash your face after the steam.

13. Replace your toner with a face mist

Toners contain a significant amount of alcohol in them which strips the skin of all moisture and makes skin dry and flaky. Mists on the other hand are very skin-friendly and do the job of hydrating the face the right way.

10 Mistakes to avoid while washing your face

While knowing the right way to wash your face is important, it’s equally important to know the things that you should avoid while washing your face, else the results might be the opposite:

1. Do not scrub your face everyday

Scrubbing your face everyday will remove the upper skin cells that’s actually not to be removed and make the skin layer thin and prone to breakouts and damage.

2. Do not use hot water for washing your face

Hot water takes away all moisture from the skin and makes the skin dry and dull.

3. Do not use cold water to wash your face

Cold water clogs pores and makes the skin red and delicate.

4. Do not use any harsh towel for your face

Harsh towels will disturb the skin’s upper layer and make the skin sensitive.

5. Avoid chemical peels for your face

Chemical peels are not to be used everyday while washing your face. In case you would want to use one, use it only once a week or as recommended by your dermat.

6. Avoid scrubs with big granules in them

Scrubs with large granules will irritate the skin and cause breakouts. They are too harsh for the skin and will remove the skin’s upper layer if used regularly.

7. Do not use toners unnecessarily

As I have already mentioned, toners are not very skin-friendly. They are harsh for the skin and not to be used on a daily basis. Replace toner with a micellar water or a face mist like rose water.

8. Do not complicate face washing like using too many products at once

Using too many products will only layer up in your skin and clog your pores and cause breakouts. Instead keep it simple and effective. Know what suits your skin and apply only a minimal amount of them.

9. Do not oil your face after a face wash

Oiling the face after a face wash will clog pores and attract more dirt which will eventually lead to breakouts and acne.

10. Do not use a cleanser that is not suited for your skin type

You should know your skin type and choose products accordingly.

Know your skin type

Oily skin: skin that’s always shiny and sticky.

Acne prone skin: skin that has a lot of pimples and bumps on it.

Dry skin: skin that is itchy and flaky and feels stretchy 

Combination skin: skin that is dry round the mouth and cheeks and oily on the T zone.

Sensitive skin: skin that breaks out with the application of any product and tingles.

The right order of products while washing your face:

Follow the right order of skin care products for a complete face cleanse:

1. Wipe your face with a makeup removing tissue
2. Use a cotton pad dipped in micellar water to remove any trace of left makeup
3. Splash your face with Lukewarm water
4. Apply an oil based cleanser to remove dirt and oil
5. Apply a foaming face wash or a water-based face wash for a complete clean-up
6. Wash with Lukewarm water
7. Apply a gentle moisturiser to finish up

See you soon!

Hope this guide was useful to you. Stay tuned for more skincare and hair care updates. Till then……

Keep it simple, keep it fashionable!