Dermatologists reveal 10 mistakes you're probably making while washing your face

Although some think face-washing shouldn't be part of a shower routine, Shasa Hu, a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of BiaLife, said it's fine (beneficial even) as long as you're careful.

"When you wash your face in the shower, the warm mist from the shower promotes deeper exfoliation and unclogs the pores," she said."As long as you are not using scorching-hot water or harsh soaps, washing your face while you're in the shower will save you time, save water, and give you a deeper cleaning to prep your skin for the rest of your skin-care routine."

New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King told BI that whether you need to wash your face twice a day depends on your skin type and what you need to wash off.

King said that dry or sensitive skin types are usually fine to cleanse once in the evening, but oily skin might require a cleanse in the morning as well. She also recommended cleansing any time you do a sweaty workout or wear heavy makeup.

"Cleansing before bed is generally recommended not only to remove makeup but also dirt and pollution that accumulates on our skin during the day," she told BI. "If you use overnight skin products that leave a residue or film on your skin, then you will likely want to cleanse your face in the morning as well."

Those particles can cause oxidative damage and contribute to collagen breakdown and wrinkles.

"No pain, no gain" doesn't apply when it comes to skincare.

"When skin is burned or irritated by skincare ingredients, it upsets the protective acid mantle of the skin, which can lead to further skin sensitivities and even skin infection," Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist and the founder of DERMAdoctor said.

But Hu told BI that certain acids and prescription-strength retinoids can yield a slight burning sensation or peeling reaction while the skin is adjusting to it. If you're unsure whether or not your skin's reaction to a product is normal, reach out to a dermatologist before continuing use.

"Regular soap is for cleaning regular things," Rachel Nazarian, a New York City-based dermatologist, told BI. "Your skin is not regular."

The dermatologist said conventional soaps can strip the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Instead, wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that offers a deep clean and caters to your unique complexion.

Contrary to popular belief, Hu said, scrubbing with a washcloth or mechanical devices won't scuff away oil or makeup polymers on the surface of the skin.

"Over time, your skin responds to aggressive mechanical exfoliation by producing more oil, which can lead to clogging," she told BI. "This often then becomes a vicious cycle."

Mechanical scrubbers can even cause "microscopic fissures" on the skin that can raise the risk of an allergic reaction or skin irritation. If you must scrub, she recommended using a soft muslin cloth or a gentle, exfoliating cleanser.

Although maintaining a clean complexion definitely helps prevent breakouts, there are other factors — like genetics and hormones — that can cause acne.

"If you have oily skin and are acne-prone, then yes, you may get more clogged pores and acne breakouts if you are not washing your face regularly," King said. "But if you are not particularly oily or acne-prone, not washing your face every day is not so likely to give you acne."

Drying your face with a washcloth can only really be problematic in two situations: First, if the cloth is contaminated with bacteria, yeast, or fungi, and second if the cloth is so abrasive it results in irritation.

But King said it's usually fine to use a clean cloth on your face if you "gently pat dry without rubbing."

Some people believe a cleanser can strip away makeup and clean the skin in one swoop. But Hu highly recommended making makeup removal the first step of your skincare routine.

"Makeup has pigment, preservatives, minerals, and metals that often can clog your pores if left on too long," she said. "It is essential to remove makeup as the first step in your nighttime routine."

Although removing makeup should be the first step of your nighttime routine, it shouldn't be the only step — especially if you're using wipes.

"Cleansing wipes remove a bulk of bacteria, dirt, and oil, but also leave a trail of residue behind," Nazarian said. "This can potentially lead to acne and infected glands, especially around the eyelids and eyelashes."

Even if your hands don't look or feel dirty, it's always best to wash them before touching your face.

Hu said the bacteria and chemicals on everyday surfaces end up on our hands, which can lead to skin and eye irritation or infection, especially in people who are prone to eczema.

This story was originally published in June 2019 and most recently updated on October 10, 2024. 

Read More:

• 7 things you think are good for your skin but actually aren't
• Stop putting apple cider vinegar on your face, and 8 other skin care habits dermatologists wish you'd quit
• 10 myths about pores you need to stop believing
• 11 surprising things you didn't realize are damaging your skin