Washing your face is one of the many things we do automatically throughout the day. Have you ever stopped to think about whether you know how to clean your skin properly? You may not be getting the best cleaning at home, even though it appears simple. We’ll cover the following topics to help you get your cleansing routine back on track, whether you’re looking for a refresher or were unaware that there was an incorrect way to wash your face.

How to wash your face properly

Why you shouldn’t use the shower to wash your face

Why a washcloth is not the best way to wash your face

Try the best face cleansers at home

Use tepid water.

The water that comes out of your tap is the first step in learning how to wash your facial skin correctly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you wash your face with lukewarm or warm water. Joel Schlessinger, CEO of LovelySkin and board-certified dermatologist, says that washing your face with hot or cold water can remove your skin’s natural oil and leave it feeling tight and dried. Washing with cold water, on the other hand, is not the best option either. Hard water can cause your pores to close, which will prevent the active ingredients in your facial cleanser from being able to penetrate.

Ever wondered how to wash your face in the shower properly? Surprisingly, the answer is not to wash your face in the shower at all. If you wash your face regularly in the shower, the water may be warmer than I recommend. Washing your face in the sink, where you can adjust the temperature to lukewarm, is the best option.

Use your hands

You already have everything you need to wash your face properly properly. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends washing your face with your hand. Use your hands to splash the water on your face while the water is running. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage your facial cleanser into your skin. After you have thoroughly cleansed your face, splash water on your face with your hands.

Do not scrub with a washcloth, loofah, or other similar items.

Remember how we said that all you needed was your hands? It would be best if you only used a washcloth, loofah, or mesh sponge to clean your body, not your face. Dr. Schlessinger says that the skin on your face, which is delicate, can be irritated by scrubbing it with a washcloth. This may cause inflammation, redness, or even break capillaries. “That’s definitely not what you want.”

Regularly wash your face.

You might wonder how often to wash your face. Dr. Schlessinger suggests washing your face both in the morning and before bed. Your morning face wash is designed to remove the products that you applied overnight, as well as bacteria and oils from your eyes, nose, mouth, and hair. You’ll remove the sunscreen and makeup you used during the day, along with any dirt or oil that settled in your pores.

Use a dermatologist-approved cleanser.

The products you use to clean your face are a good indicator of whether you wash your skin correctly. Using a high-quality, dermatologist-approved cleanser will most effectively remove the makeup, dirt, and oil that can potentially block your pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts. After you wash your face properly, your skin is primed for active ingredients to penetrate and work effectively in your other skin care products. The question is: Which cleansers do dermatologists recommend when learning to wash your face properly?

Dermatologist-Approved Face Cleansers

Now that you’ve read up on how to wash your face correctly, it’s time to reach for a dermatologist-approved cleanser. Five options are available with different formulas: gel, foam, oil, balm, and milk.