Last updated: 27 October 2026 · Written by the Zinerals Skincare Team · 5 min read
Quick answer: To wash your face properly, use lukewarm water and a gentle face wash, massage it with your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds, rinse well, pat dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer right away. Wash twice a day and after sweating, not more. Skip bathing soap, very hot water and rough scrubbing.
Key takeaways
- Lukewarm water is better than hot water, which can dry skin out.
- Use your fingertips, not a rough cloth or scrubber.
- 30 to 60 seconds of massaging is enough; longer isn't better.
- Pat dry, then moisturize within a couple of minutes.
- Twice a day plus after sweating is the right frequency for most people.
Washing your face sounds too simple to get wrong. But many skin problems, like dryness, extra oil, irritation and breakouts, come from small everyday mistakes in how we wash. Here's the right way to do it, based on dermatologist guidance, and the 8 mistakes most people make.
How to wash your face the right way: 6 steps
- Start with clean hands. Your hands carry oil and dirt that you don't want to spread on your face.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water. Not hot, not ice-cold.
- Use a pea-sized amount of gentle face wash. More product doesn't clean better.
- Massage with your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds, in gentle circles, covering your forehead, nose, chin, jawline and the area near your hairline.
- Rinse thoroughly so no face wash is left behind, then pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
- Moisturize right away, while skin is slightly damp. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
This matches the American Academy of Dermatology's advice: use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water and your fingertips, pat dry, apply moisturizer, and wash twice a day and after sweating (AAD).
8 face washing mistakes to avoid
1. Using bathing soap on your face
Body soaps are usually too harsh for facial skin. They can leave your face tight and dry, and oily skin may respond by producing more oil. Use a face wash made for the face.
2. Using hot water
Hot water feels nice, especially in winter, but it strips natural oils and can leave skin dry and red. Lukewarm water is the safer choice.
3. Scrubbing hard
Rough scrubs, loofahs and hard rubbing can irritate skin and make some concerns, like pigmentation, worse. If you want exfoliation, a face wash with gentle acids like Salicylic or Glycolic Acid does it without friction.
4. Washing too often
Washing 4 or 5 times a day doesn't make skin cleaner in a useful way. It dries out the surface and can trigger more oil. Twice a day, plus after the gym or heavy sweating, is enough.
5. Rinsing too quickly
Splashing on face wash and rinsing it off in five seconds doesn't give the ingredients time to work. Massage for 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Using a dirty or rough towel
Old towels hold bacteria, and rubbing irritates skin. Use a clean towel and pat, don't rub.
7. Skipping moisturizer
Even oily skin needs moisturizer after washing. Choose a light gel if you're oily. Read why in our face wash and moisturizer guide.
8. Going to bed without washing
Sleeping with the day's sweat, oil, pollution, sunscreen or makeup on your face can clog pores. Always wash at night, even if you're tired.
Do men need to wash their face differently?
The steps are the same. A few extra tips for men: wash before shaving for a smoother shave, include the beard line and neck, and if you have oily skin, choose a gel face wash with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide. See our guide to the best face wash for oily skin for men.
Choosing the right face wash
| Skin type | Look for |
|---|---|
| Oily | Foaming gel with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide |
| Combination | Gentle, balancing gel cleanser |
| Dry | Mild, low-foam or cream cleanser |
| Dull or tanned | Brightening face wash with Kojic Acid, Vitamin C or AHAs (see our tan removal guide) |
| Sensitive | Simple, gentle cleanser without strong acids; patch test first |
Zinerals Brightening Face Wash
The Zinerals Brightening Face Wash is a soap-free, paraben-free gel cleanser with Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic and Lactic Acid, Vitamin C and Red Algae. It lathers into a rich foam, cleans without a stripped feel, and suits men and women with oily, combination and normal skin. For a complete cleanse-and-hydrate routine, try the Zinerals Glow Duo.
Since it contains exfoliating acids, do a patch test before first use if you have sensitive skin, and use sunscreen during the day. This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I wash my face?
Twice a day, morning and night, and again after heavy sweating or exercise. Washing more often can dry out your skin.
Should I wash my face with hot or cold water?
Lukewarm water is best. Hot water can strip natural oils and dry out skin, while very cold water doesn't rinse away oil as well.
How long should I wash my face?
Massage your face wash for about 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.
Can I use bathing soap on my face?
It's better not to. Most bathing soaps are too harsh for facial skin and can leave it tight, dry and irritated.
Should I apply moisturizer after washing my face?
Yes. Apply it within a couple of minutes, while skin is still slightly damp, to lock in hydration.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Face washing 101. aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/face-washing-101
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin. aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/oily-skin
