July 3, 2020
Guuurl, Go Wash Your Face!
Quick answer: Properly washing your face involves two distinct steps — first removing makeup with a dedicated oil cleanser, then following up with a facial wash suited to your skin type. The detail most people miss is time: cleansing for a full 60 seconds gives active ingredients the contact they need to actually work, rather than being rinsed away before penetrating the skin.
Let’s talk proper face washing. I don’t know why I haven’t thought to talk more about this before. It’s so simple, yet so complicated for some!
We have access to so many types of facial washes, but I want to talk more about HOW to wash your face.
Proper Face Washing
First: removing your makeup IS NOT WASHING YOUR FACE. So let’s start by discussing double cleaning. Use a makeup remover first, I personally have big heart eyes for PCA SKIN Daily Cleansing Oil. It gently removes all your makeup without drying your skin. It also smells like what I hope heaven smells like. Use this product using your hands, in a circular motion for 60 seconds all over, even eye makeup. Rinse with water.
Second: Wash your face with an appropriate facial wash. Again, this can be done with your fingers or a silicone cleansing brush. More importantly: wash for at least 60 seconds, count in your head so you ensure you actually wash that long! It’s going to feel like treadmill seconds (longest minute ever!) I’m so impatient that if I don’t count I will barely work up suds.
Remember, your cleansers are specifically designed to treat your skin and its conditions. So we want to give plenty of time to let all of those active ingredients work their magic. Plus, an extra bonus is all the beautiful circulation you are creating in your skin by massaging and rubbing for so long.
Watch your skin get cleaner and brighter just by using a product correctly that you already use every day already!
Frequently Asked Questions About Proper Face Washing and Cleansing
How often should I actually be washing my face each day?
For most people, washing twice daily — morning and evening — is a reasonable general guideline, though individual skin type and lifestyle factors matter. Oily or acne-prone skin often responds well to consistent twice-daily cleansing. Dry or sensitive skin types may find that a single gentle cleanse in the evening is sufficient, with a simple water rinse or very gentle cleanse in the morning to avoid disrupting the skin barrier that rebuilds overnight. If you work out or sweat heavily during the day, cleansing after exercise is also generally recommended.
Does water temperature actually matter when washing my face?
Yes, it does. Very hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, or overcompensating oil production. Very cold water may not effectively remove sunscreen, makeup, or the day’s accumulation of debris. Lukewarm water is generally considered the most appropriate temperature for face washing — comfortable enough to feel pleasant, but not so warm that it creates stress on the skin. This applies regardless of your skin type or the cleanser you are using.
How do I know which type of facial cleanser is right for my skin?
Cleanser choice depends significantly on your skin type and any specific concerns you are managing. Gel cleansers tend to work well for oily or acne-prone skin, as they can remove excess sebum without leaving a heavy residue. Cream or milky cleansers are often better suited to dry or sensitive skin types because they cleanse without stripping. Foam cleansers sit somewhere in between and can work for combination skin. Those with active skin conditions — rosacea, eczema, or persistent acne — often benefit from cleanser recommendations from a licensed esthetician who can assess their specific needs.
What is double cleansing, and do I actually need to do it?
Double cleansing is a technique that involves using an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to address any remaining impurities. It originated in Korean skincare and has become widely popular because sunscreen and many foundations are formulated to be water-resistant — meaning a single water-based cleanser may not fully remove them. For clients who wear makeup or SPF daily (which should be most people in Arizona), double cleansing in the evening can be a meaningful upgrade to a cleansing routine. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may want to discuss this approach with an esthetician before adopting it.
Is it bad to wash my face with the same bar soap I use in the shower?
Bar soaps designed for body use typically have a different pH and formula than products intended for facial skin. Facial skin is more delicate, and body soaps can be drying, potentially irritating, and may leave residue that affects the performance of any products applied afterward. A cleanser formulated specifically for the face — in a formula suited to your skin type — will generally cleanse more gently and appropriately. It is one of those swaps that can make a meaningful difference in skin texture and comfort over time.
What common cleansing mistakes are causing people the most problems?
Scrubbing too aggressively is one of the most frequent issues our estheticians observe. The skin on the face is not a surface to be scoured — harsh physical friction can damage the skin barrier, trigger inflammation, and worsen conditions like acne and redness. Over-washing is another common problem, especially in oily skin types who assume more cleansing will reduce oil production (often the opposite occurs). Leaving cleanser on too long, not rinsing thoroughly, or skipping cleansing entirely before bed are also habits our team frequently addresses with clients. A gentle, thorough, appropriately timed cleanse is generally more effective than an aggressive one.
When should I apply moisturizer relative to washing my face?
Applying moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp — within a minute or two of patting it dry with a clean towel — is generally recommended. This helps lock in some of the residual moisture rather than allowing it to evaporate. Waiting too long after cleansing can mean the skin loses hydration unnecessarily before the moisturizer is applied. At night, cleansing and moisturizing together form the foundation of a recovery routine; in the morning, a moisturizer with SPF or layering sunscreen over your moisturizer adds essential protection for the day ahead.
How Allure Infinite Beauty Can Support Your Cleansing Routine
Our licensed estheticians work with clients at every stage of their skin care journey, from complete beginners to those refining an existing routine. During a professional facial at our Mesa location, we can assess your skin in person and give you targeted guidance on cleansing and home care that actually fits your skin type. Book a facial appointment with our team or visit our skin care services page to explore professional treatment options that complement great at-home habits.
Keep Reading
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Frequently Asked Questions About Face Washing and Cleansing
How often should I wash my face?
Most dermatologists and estheticians recommend washing the face twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening. Morning cleansing removes the sebum, dead skin cells, and any products applied overnight. Evening cleansing is arguably more critical: it removes SPF, makeup, environmental pollutants, and the day’s accumulated sebum before applying nighttime treatment products. Over-cleansing (more than twice daily) can strip the skin barrier and increase oil production as the skin compensates. The exception: after heavy exercise or significant sweating, a gentle rinse or full cleanse is appropriate regardless of the time of day.
What type of cleanser is best for different skin types?
Skin type should guide cleanser selection. Dry and sensitive skin types benefit from cream or milk cleansers that remove impurities without stripping natural oils — look for formulas without harsh sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate) and with added humectants. Oily and acne-prone skin benefits from gel or foam cleansers that reduce surface oil more thoroughly, ideally with niacinamide or low-concentration salicylic acid. Combination skin typically does well with a gentle foaming or balanced gel cleanser. Normal skin has the widest latitude in cleanser choice. Regardless of skin type, a cleanser that leaves the skin feeling tight or squeaky clean after rinsing has been over-stripping.
What is double cleansing and do I need it?
Double cleansing uses an oil-based cleanser as the first step (to dissolve oil-soluble substances: sunscreen, makeup, sebum) followed by a water-based cleanser as the second step (to remove any remaining residue and clean the skin surface). This two-step approach is most beneficial for clients who wear SPF and/or makeup daily, as single cleansing often leaves behind more residue than the skin should retain overnight. Clients who do not wear SPF or makeup on a given day may find a single, thorough cleanse sufficient. Double cleansing is an evening routine practice — in the morning, a single gentle cleanse is adequate for most skin types.
Does the temperature of the water matter when washing my face?
Yes — water temperature affects how the cleanse impacts the skin barrier. Hot water strips the skin of its natural lipid barrier more aggressively than cool or lukewarm water, which can contribute to dryness, redness, and barrier disruption with repeated use. Very cold water does not sufficiently open or loosen pore contents for effective cleansing. The ideal temperature is lukewarm — comfortable to touch without feeling hot. When rinsing, using slightly cooler water than you cleansed with can help close pores and reduce redness, particularly for reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
How should I dry my face after washing?
Pat — do not rub — your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Rubbing creates mechanical friction that can irritate post-cleanse skin and, over time, contribute to micro-abrasion of sensitive areas. Using a dedicated face towel (separate from the body towel) and changing it every two to three days reduces bacterial transfer to the freshly cleansed skin. An alternative that many dermatologists recommend: use single-use cleansing cloths or allow the face to air dry slightly before applying toner or serum, as applying products to slightly damp skin improves humectant absorption.
More Questions About Daily Skincare Basics
Can dirty pillowcases cause skin problems?
Yes — pillowcases accumulate sebum, dead skin cells, hair products, and bacteria over multiple nights of use. Pressing the face against this accumulation for seven to eight hours each night introduces these substances to skin pores. This is a meaningful contributor to breakouts for acne-prone skin, particularly along the cheek and jaw areas — the sides of the face that have the most pillowcase contact. Changing pillowcases every two to three days, or using a clean pillowcase (or a clean face towel as a pillowcase overlay) each night, significantly reduces this contamination source. Silk pillowcases are preferred because they absorb less product and create less friction.
Is micellar water an adequate substitute for proper cleansing?
Micellar water is a gentle, no-rinse cleansing option useful for light makeup removal and quick freshening, but it is generally not adequate as the sole cleansing method for skin that has worn SPF, full makeup, or significant product buildup. Micellar water’s cleansing capacity is limited compared to a traditional surfactant-based cleanser, and without rinsing, the surfactant molecules remain on the skin surface. Using micellar water as a first cleansing step before a second proper cleanser (similar to double cleansing) is more effective than relying on it alone, particularly for evenings after full product use.