How To Cleanse Your Face For Maximum Benefits

Written By Katie Pierce / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Caring for your skin starts by cleansing it the right way. Sounds easy, right? However, not many people in the U.S. know how to wash their faces properly. A study shows that there is a high percentage of men and women who use the same bath or hand soap to cleanse while some only use water. 

More than that, over-washing can also be harmful. You might think that scrubbing your skin extra hard will get rid of dirt and grime, but so do the natural vitamins that protect its outer layers. So, it’s essential to know the what’s and how’s of cleansing to achieve glowing skin. 

Washing your face is the core part of taking care of your skin, so you have to make sure that the products and routines you are using and doing are compatible with your skin type. Don’t worry! It’s simple and easy once you get the hang of it! Here are some notes on face cleansing that can guide you on your skincare journey. 

Find suitable cleansers for your skin type

From foaming to oil and water-based, there are a variety of cleansers available in the market nowadays. However, you must be careful in choosing which one to use.

What worked for famous influencers you see online might not work for you. So, it’s best to know about your skin type first to save you from the trial and error process—and oil cleansing mistakes!

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to use a foaming cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps clean your pores. Benzoyl peroxide is also effective as an exfoliating agent for your skin, killing germs and excess oil.

Wash your face (at least) two times a day

One of the most common mistakes of face cleansing is its frequency. You should wash your face when you wake up to remove the saliva and other germs from your sheets or pillows.

Cleansing your face after you come home from work or errands is also essential to remove the dirt and sweat that accumulated on your face throughout the day. 

However, most Americans do not wash their faces at night according to studies. So, to achieve a youthful look, ensure that before sleeping, your skin is squeaky clean. It’s also one of the ways to prevent acne! 

Washing after a gym session or an extraneous activity should also be a must. Excessive oil is one of the key causes of pimples and breakouts, so getting rid of it would be better for your skin.

Clean thoroughly but don’t overdo it

The skin is often exposed to a lot of environmental factors. From varying temperatures and sweat to dust and pollution, it serves as the first barrier of protection. It’s elastic, but at the same time, it is also one of the most sensitive parts of your body. 

So, when cleaning your face, remember to do it gently. Instead of rubbing, use your fingertips to distribute the cleanser on your face. Don’t scrub. Just pat and massage your face in a circular motion to avoid essential oils and barriers to peel.

It also helps in improving blood circulation. After that, rinse carefully and continue to dry it with a clean towel. 

You’ll know when you are cleansing your face wrong—or using products not suited to your skin type—when it feels too tight and stretched out. Remember, washing doesn’t have to belong for it to become effective. Cleanse “just right” in a quick yet thorough manner. 

Use a makeup remover to remove heavy cosmetics

There will be times when a cleanser won’t be enough. Coming home after wedding events or a Friday night out will leave you with a lot of cosmetic products on your face. During these times, you must not try to scrape off the makeup during the first rinse. Try “double cleansing” with an oil-based face wash to remove makeup with ease. 

Some products are formulated to target deep-clean eye makeup. These will be helpful to remove mascara and eyeliners, But of course, do this with caution to avoid irritating the area around your eyes, especially your eyelids. 

Pro tip: make sure that your hands are clean when cleaning your face! 

Choose organic cleansers for maximum benefits

Using cleansers with organic and natural skincare ingredients is one of the best ways to wash your face. Not only does it take care of your skin, but it’s also a way to create a sustainable routine. Deviating from mass-produced products and ensuring that they are cruelty-free will help local communities to thrive and continue. 

A quick wrap-up on the do’s and don’ts of face cleansing

First things first: know your skin type or combination to choose the right cleanser for your face. 

• Be gentle yet thorough. Always follow a circular motion when applying face cleansers.

• Do prior research before using it to know that it doesn’t have products you are allergic to.  

• Moisturize after cleaning your face—and don’t forget the sunscreen if you’re going out!

• Ask for professional advice if you have other skin issues to ensure that you are on the right track. 

The takeaway: Clean your face the right way to enjoy lasting benefits

Washing your face is the first step of every skincare routine. If you’re still in the process of building one, take note of these do’s and don’ts to make sure that you’re on the right track. Trust us, it’s worth it, and your skin will thank you later! 

 Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Katie Pierce is a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Amar Preciado from Pexels