Using a clean, soft washcloth is effective for cleaning your face, but unless you use a new one every day, you should probably stick with using your hands to scrub, Dr. Green says. Also, ideally, you should change the towel you use to dry your face every couple of days to keep bacteria at bay, adds Dr. Gohara.
For a really effective cleanse, using a flannel or washcloth is ideal. “A washcloth is really useful for wiping the make up off of your face and more effective than just cleansing and rinsing. It also provides some gentle exfoliation,” says Dr Ophelia.
Using a washcloth to exfoliate can be irritating to the skin and cause damage. Washcloths are often not very clean and harbor bacteria that cause breakouts.
"Materials like microfiber and cotton (including Turkish cotton), are the most popular fabrics for face cloths, and they are also good options for full-size towels for the body." She suggests avoiding muslin fabrics, which tend to be harsher on skin.
“A cotton or cotton blend washcloth or hand towel is preferred for the face,” he says. “Quick-drying options for washcloths are also a great option as some work to help with exfoliating dead skin cells. Turkish cotton is a great option for your body.
But according to dermatologist Karan Sra, reusing a wash cloth can absolutely cause or exacerbate skin conditions, like acne or folliculitis (when the hair follicle becomes infected and inflamed). “Washcloths are the perfect place for bacteria to grow,” Sra explains.
You may be using unnecessary products. "Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.
Use your washcloth: Wet your washcloth and, using a gentle wiping motion, wipe away the cleanser and residue. Occasionally run the cloth under water and continue until the cleanser is gone, avoiding the eye area. Splash your face with water to remove any final residue.
Dermatologist Ally Wheeler says, “washcloths are excellent; the only caveat is that you don't want to scrub too hard. The best way to use them is to lather up the washcloth with soap or a cleanser, and then gently scrub your skin in circular motions.”
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
To exfoliate your face mechanically with a scrub, apply gently to the skin with a finger. Rub in small, circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water. For a chemical exfoliant that's a liquid, apply with a cotton pad or washcloth.
Ideally you can begin around age 12 with just the basics, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. During puberty, you may have to switch your cleanser to an oil control one if you suffer from acne and pimples. You can also incorporate spot treatments with salicylic acid to address specific issues.
It's still advisable to wash twice a day and use a gentle formula “that removes impurities, deep cleans pores, helps remove makeup, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean, and hydrated,” says Tim. Also, don't overlook foaming cleansers.
The order should be: wash, cleanse, exfoliate, tone, face mask, moisturiser. By following this order, you'll be able to remove all the dirt and impurities from your face, and you'll be on your way to a clearer, healthy-looking skin.
That bacteria, which you wind up moving from your body onto your face (or vice versa) with your towel, is not good. According to dermatologist Sejal Shah, "Bacteria, fungus, dead skin cells, oils and other debris can collect on the towel," which can become the culprit of skin "infections, acne flares, and irritation."
Can Exfoliating Cause Acne? Typically, exfoliating does not cause acne. In fact, in most cases, exfoliating can help minimize acne when performed properly as part of an acne treatment program. Beware though, if exfoliating is done improperly or too often, it can bring on problems.
Because of the damp, hot environment they live in, washcloths are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, says Dr. King. "When used, germs [on a dirty washcloth] are then spread or reintroduced to the skin, which can cause irritation and even infection.
“Overwashing and overscrubbing may leave you with a squeaky-clean feeling, but this actually is damaging,” says Zeichner. This refers to damaging your skin barrier, the network of skin cells and fats in the outer skin layer that protects your skin from the environment, he explains.
Lukewarm water is advisable to wash your face with, but cold water has its benefits, too. Cold water tightens the appearance of your skin, so it may make you look renewed and refreshed. It also helps boost your circulation, which can help give your skin a healthier appearance, albeit temporarily.
The "tween years" can be challenging for both children and their parents. Young adolescents are continuing to explore their community and world and beginning to develop unique identities separate from their parents.
Around the age of 11, hormones are beginning to influence your skin's look and feel, and it would be a good idea to introduce a skincare regimen into your daily routine. A full-blown product lineup isn't necessary now, but it helps to identify your skin type now.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.