It seems pretty simple, right? You get a little soap, run a little water, suds up your face, rinse, and you have a clean face. While the actual process of washing your face is relatively simple, the reality is that you are probably doing it all wrong. And while the right way to wash your face isn’t really complicated, most people actually don’t know the best way to do it.

So, before you go wash your face again, check out a few things you might be doing wrong and make sure you follow this process for washing your face the right way.

The Most Common Face Washing Mistakes

It seems like washing your face should be the least complicated step of your beauty routine, but the problem is that many of the most common cleansing habits actually cause or at least contribute to a whole host of skin woes, such as dryness, redness, irritation, oiliness, and even acne. Avoid these common face-washing mistakes, and you’ll be seeing better skin in no time.

Using the Wrong Product

There is a fine balance when it comes to cleansers. Too harsh and the cleanser will irritate the skin, but too gentle and the rinse won’t remove dirt and makeup.

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Washing Too Much

In most cases, your face needs washed no more than twice a day. Any more than this, and you may be irritating the skin, leading to overproduction of oil and other issues.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation is good for the skin, but moderation is the name of the game here. Only exfoliate two or three times a week, and use your fingers instead of a wash cloth to be gentler on your skin.

Skimpy Rinsing

Not rinsing your skin well enough is another common issue. Skimping on rinsing causes build-up on your skin, which can contribute to clogged pores and dry skin patches. Be sure to focus on your jawline, hairline, and nose when rinsing, as these spots are often forgotten.

Rubbing the Skin Dry

While rubbing your skin may feel good, it actually pulls at the skin and can cause damage. Instead of rubbing, pat your face dry.

The Right Way to Wash

Now that you know what not to do, take a few minutes to focus on the right way to wash to really ‘flesh’ out your skincare regimen. Washing your face should actually be a gentle process that involves no scrubbing. To wash most effectively:

Select a gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol or any abrasive ingredients. Resist the temptation to select the cleanser with all of the marketing claims, and look for one that is gentle, pH-balanced, and fragrance-free. The brand of your cleanser is much less important than the fact that the product be mild and non-abrasive.
Once you’ve selected the cleanser, wet your face with lukewarm water (hot water is too drying). Then, gently massage the cleanser into your skin using only your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, as this process can also lead to irritation.
After massaging the entire face with the cleanser, rinse your skin with lukewarm water. Splash the warm water onto your face and gently remove any excess cleanser.
Finally, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid using your facial towel for any other purpose as doing so can lead to the spread of bacteria and further breakouts. Hang the towel in a dry place and make sure that it is not exposed to any excess moisture.
Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft and supple. Be cautious as you apply any cream around your eyes, as the skin beneath the eyes is very delicate.

So, there you have it. As simple as washing your face is, it is important that you do it the right way and avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of face washing. Use these simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to fresher, smoother skin in no time.