Cleansing 101: How to Wash Your Face the Right Way
6 min read
JUN 01
Cleansing 101: How to Wash Your Face the Right Way
6 min read
JUN 01
Washing your face doesn’t sound very exciting, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can do for the health of your skin. Throughout the course of a single day, air pollution, dirt, and irritants accumulate on the skin. Many of these pollutants trigger the production of free radicals – harmful molecules that degrade the skin barrier and damage your skin cells. The simple act of washing your face every evening can keep your skin healthier, clearer, and stronger. Not sure where to start? We’ll break it down with easy tips and face-cleansing steps for every skin type.
Washing your face doesn’t sound very exciting, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can do for the health of your skin. Throughout the course of a single day, air pollution, dirt, and irritants accumulate on the skin. Many of these pollutants trigger the production of free radicals – harmful molecules that degrade the skin barrier and damage your skin cells. The simple act of washing your face every evening can keep your skin healthier, clearer, and stronger. Not sure where to start? We’ll break it down with easy tips and face-cleansing steps for every skin type.
How often should I wash my face?
Experts recommend cleansing your skin at least every evening, adding an extra post-workout cleanse if you hit the gym. Your evening cleanse will help get rid of pollutants that build up throughout the day, while a post-workout cleanse helps remove excess oil and reset your skin after sweating. No need to cleanse in the morning; your skin is still clean from the night before. Unless you have very oily skin and wake up feeling greasy, morning cleansing can leave your face too dry.
How often should I wash my face?
Experts recommend cleansing your skin at least every evening, adding an extra post-workout cleanse if you hit the gym. Your evening cleanse will help get rid of pollutants that build up throughout the day, while a post-workout cleanse helps remove excess oil and reset your skin after sweating. No need to cleanse in the morning; your skin is still clean from the night before. Unless you have very oily skin and wake up feeling greasy, morning cleansing can leave your face too dry.
Is it possible to over-cleanse my skin?
Even if your skin is very oily, it is possible to cleanse too much. Many cleansers contain harsh foaming ingredients like sulfates, which can strip the skin barrier of its natural oils. If you are cleansing too often, you may notice:Dry skin & tightness Sensitivity & irritation A sudden increase in oil When you strip the moisture barrier of too much oil, water escapes from your skin – leaving you with papery, dry, or cracking skin. To try to heal itself, the skin overcompensates by revving up sebum production. This means your skin can feel dehydrated and oily at the same time. If you notice any of these symptoms, cut back your skin care routine to just once daily and switch to a gentler cleanser.
Is it possible to over-cleanse my skin?
Even if your skin is very oily, it is possible to cleanse too much. Many cleansers contain harsh foaming ingredients like sulfates, which can strip the skin barrier of its natural oils. If you are cleansing too often, you may notice:Dry skin & tightness Sensitivity & irritation A sudden increase in oil When you strip the moisture barrier of too much oil, water escapes from your skin – leaving you with papery, dry, or cracking skin. To try to heal itself, the skin overcompensates by revving up sebum production. This means your skin can feel dehydrated and oily at the same time. If you notice any of these symptoms, cut back your skin care routine to just once daily and switch to a gentler cleanser.
How do you choose a cleanser for your skin type?
If you feel like your cleanser is too harsh, switch to a sulfate-free formula. Most skin types can tolerate a gentle gel cleanser, but very dry or reactive skin types might prefer cream cleansers or oil-based formulas, which gently dissolve dirt and impurities without removing a lot of facial oil. Very oily and acne-prone skin types might prefer a cleanser with salicylic acid, which has been shown to prevent breakouts and help clear skin by dissolving excess oil and preventing pore build-up. Just be aware that salicylic acid can be drying–even if your skin is oily, it may not be right for you if you notice an increase in redness or flaking.
How do you choose a cleanser for your skin type?
If you feel like your cleanser is too harsh, switch to a sulfate-free formula. Most skin types can tolerate a gentle gel cleanser, but very dry or reactive skin types might prefer cream cleansers or oil-based formulas, which gently dissolve dirt and impurities without removing a lot of facial oil. Very oily and acne-prone skin types might prefer a cleanser with salicylic acid, which has been shown to prevent breakouts and help clear skin by dissolving excess oil and preventing pore build-up. Just be aware that salicylic acid can be drying–even if your skin is oily, it may not be right for you if you notice an increase in redness or flaking.
What is double cleansing, and is it right for my skin type?
If you wear makeup or worry that your skin still harbors remnants of SPF after you cleanse, consider double cleansing. This popular ritual involves using two different face washes: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based or foaming cleanser. The oil-based formula removes makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and free radicals. The second cleanser breaks up excess oil and any remaining residue, leaving you with super-clean skin. You only need to double cleanse at night to remove makeup and impurities. While it’s not necessary for all skin types, certain skin types may find it beneficial. Sensitive yet oily skin can benefit from double cleansing with two gentler cleansers rather than one harsher one. Acne-prone skin might find it especially beneficial for removing makeup residue that can clog pores.
What is double cleansing, and is it right for my skin type?
If you wear makeup or worry that your skin still harbors remnants of SPF after you cleanse, consider double cleansing. This popular ritual involves using two different face washes: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based or foaming cleanser. The oil-based formula removes makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and free radicals. The second cleanser breaks up excess oil and any remaining residue, leaving you with super-clean skin. You only need to double cleanse at night to remove makeup and impurities. While it’s not necessary for all skin types, certain skin types may find it beneficial. Sensitive yet oily skin can benefit from double cleansing with two gentler cleansers rather than one harsher one. Acne-prone skin might find it especially beneficial for removing makeup residue that can clog pores.
How do I properly cleanse my face?
It might seem straightforward, but there is actually a right way to cleanse your skin to remove maximum impurities without introducing new bacteria. #1 Wash your hands: Hands are crawling with bacteria. Give them a good wash before you cleanse your face to avoid introducing any unwanted germs to your skin. #2 Double cleanse, optional: If you choose to double cleanse, use your first cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup. Then, follow with your second cleanser. #3 Massage the skin: To encourage healthy circulation and ensure that the cleanser reaches every inch of your face, massage the product into your skin for at least 60 seconds, paying extra attention to the folds of the face like the sides of the nose. #4 Rinse and dry: Splash your face with lukewarm water to remove the cleanser. Alternatively, you can use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away the facial cleanser and remove excess dead skin. Just be sure to use gentle pressure–over-exfoliating weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity. Instead of rubbing your skin with a bath towel when you’re done, gently pat your face dry with a clean washcloth.
How do I properly cleanse my face?
It might seem straightforward, but there is actually a right way to cleanse your skin to remove maximum impurities without introducing new bacteria. #1 Wash your hands: Hands are crawling with bacteria. Give them a good wash before you cleanse your face to avoid introducing any unwanted germs to your skin. #2 Double cleanse, optional: If you choose to double cleanse, use your first cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup. Then, follow with your second cleanser. #3 Massage the skin: To encourage healthy circulation and ensure that the cleanser reaches every inch of your face, massage the product into your skin for at least 60 seconds, paying extra attention to the folds of the face like the sides of the nose. #4 Rinse and dry: Splash your face with lukewarm water to remove the cleanser. Alternatively, you can use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away the facial cleanser and remove excess dead skin. Just be sure to use gentle pressure–over-exfoliating weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity. Instead of rubbing your skin with a bath towel when you’re done, gently pat your face dry with a clean washcloth.
Should I be cautious of water temperature when cleansing?
The two types of sunscreens are based on their active ingredients, and inclIt might feel nice to wash your face with hot water, but high temps can disrupt the natural oils that protect your skin from environmental pollutants and irritation. This can leave your skin with a tight, dry, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing. Instead, it’s best to use lukewarm water. Aim for just above body temp: this will help loosen oil and impurities without stripping your moisture barrier. de chemical sunscreens and physical (or mineral) sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing high energy UV rays and emitting them at low energy levels as heat. Mineral sunscreens work by forming a physical barrier that blocks UV rays from penetrating skin cells.
Should I be cautious of water temperature when cleansing?
The two types of sunscreens are based on their active ingredients, and inclIt might feel nice to wash your face with hot water, but high temps can disrupt the natural oils that protect your skin from environmental pollutants and irritation. This can leave your skin with a tight, dry, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing. Instead, it’s best to use lukewarm water. Aim for just above body temp: this will help loosen oil and impurities without stripping your moisture barrier. de chemical sunscreens and physical (or mineral) sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing high energy UV rays and emitting them at low energy levels as heat. Mineral sunscreens work by forming a physical barrier that blocks UV rays from penetrating skin cells.
What steps should I take after cleansing?
What you put on after cleansing is just as important as what you take off. When it’s freshly washed, skin is primed and prepped to absorb active ingredients. Follow your cleansing routine with a powerful treatment like our OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement, powered by the OS-01 peptide, to increase hydration, improve barrier function, and improve skin’s evenness. For best results, cleanse with OneSkin PREP, our gentle face wash proven to increase the penetration of the OS-01 peptide when used before OS-01 FACE.
What steps should I take after cleansing?
What you put on after cleansing is just as important as what you take off. When it’s freshly washed, skin is primed and prepped to absorb active ingredients. Follow your cleansing routine with a powerful treatment like our OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement, powered by the OS-01 peptide, to increase hydration, improve barrier function, and improve skin’s evenness. For best results, cleanse with OneSkin PREP, our gentle face wash proven to increase the penetration of the OS-01 peptide when used before OS-01 FACE.
Key Takeaways:
- Most people only need to wash their face once a day, with an extra face wash after workouts.
- Over-cleansing or using facial cleansers that are too harsh can leave you with dehydrated skin and your skin may also feel, irritated, or overly greasy.
- If you wear makeup and SPF or have very oily and sensitive skin, you may benefit from double cleansing in your skin care routine.
- Wash with lukewarm water to avoid stripping your barrier, and use clean hands and washcloths with every cleanse to avoid introducing bad bacteria to your skin.
- After cleansing, use a powerful treatment like OS-01 FACE when your skin is optimally prepped for maximum absorption. For best results, cleanse first with OneSkin PREP, our gentle cleanser proven to double the penetration of the OS-01 peptide when used before OS-01 FACE.
Key Takeaways:
- Most people only need to wash their face once a day, with an extra face wash after workouts.
- Over-cleansing or using facial cleansers that are too harsh can leave you with dehydrated skin and your skin may also feel, irritated, or overly greasy.
- If you wear makeup and SPF or have very oily and sensitive skin, you may benefit from double cleansing in your skin care routine.
- Wash with lukewarm water to avoid stripping your barrier, and use clean hands and washcloths with every cleanse to avoid introducing bad bacteria to your skin.
- After cleansing, use a powerful treatment like OS-01 FACE when your skin is optimally prepped for maximum absorption. For best results, cleanse first with OneSkin PREP, our gentle cleanser proven to double the penetration of the OS-01 peptide when used before OS-01 FACE.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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