What's best to wash your face with?

Author: Miss Roxane Doyle MD  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

People with dry or sensitive skin should opt for creamy, almost moisturizer-like face washes or hydrating oil cleansers, which will be less harsh and irritating on already fragile skin. Oily and acne-prone types should opt for foaming or gel cleansers to wash away excess oil.

What is the best thing to wash your face with?

You should use plain water to wash your face because soap dries your skin. You could use a hand or face lotion as well to wash your face, rinsing with plain water.

Is it better to wash your face with hands or washcloth?

Either method is fine, and gets you clean. If you use a somewhat rough washcloth, it will do a bit of exfoliating as you wash. If you have sensitive skin, then hands would be gentler. So, it's basically your own personal preference.

Is it better to wash your face with soap or just water?

Along the same lines, washing your face with water alone is typically not enough to properly cleanse your skin. This is because much of the “gunk” your skin accumulates throughout the day isn't water-soluble (meaning it can't be broken down by just water). This is why choosing the right gentle cleanser is so important.

What is the most effective face wash?

Top Drugstore Face Washes of 2025
  • CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
  • Olay Cleansing Melts With Hyaluronic Acid.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser.
  • Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Acne Cleanser for Textured Skin.
  • Differin 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser.

How to Wash Your Face like a Dermatologist! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Is Dove soap good for your face?

Our mild beauty bar is a handy head-to-toe multi-tasker, so yes, you can use Dove beauty bar on your body and face. It also works wonders at cleaning and moisturizing your hands – so we recommend keeping a bar by the sink. Do dermatologists recommend Dove beauty bar? Absolutely.

Which soap is best for face wash?

  • RK World Infocom Pvt Ltd. BRM Herbals. WON AYURVEDA. MACARIA Cosmetics Pvt Ltd. ...
  • All. Solid Soap Bars.
  • DERMATOUCH. Dove. D'Acne. Cetaphil. ...
  • Alcohol Free. Aluminium Free. Animal Fat Free. ...
  • Aloe Vera. Glycerin. Shea Butter. ...
  • Body. Face. Hand. ...
  • Antibacterial. Biodegradable. Cruelty Free. ...
  • Scented. Antimicrobial. Dermatologist Tested.

Do dermatologists recommend washcloths?

“Be cautious in using cleansing tools like washcloths, sponges or loofahs, because they can be irritating to the skin,” dermatologist Joshua Zeichnerpreviously told HuffPost.

Is vaseline good for your face?

The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

How to wash face correctly?

Use lukewarm water, not hot water when washing your face, as hot water can cause your skin to dry out. Cleanse with a sponge or washcloth, or with clean fingertips. Massage your cleanser onto a wet face and neck, but not for too long to prevent skin becoming dry. Avoid scrubbing your skin as this can cause irritation.

What is the cleanest way to wash your body?

The verdict: Using your hands is perfectly fine as long as you wash them first to avoid spreading bacteria. Dr. Schlessinger also recommends using gentle circular motions when massaging cleanser onto your face or body.

Is it better to wash your face with cold or hot water?

Lukewarm water is the way to go for any skin-related cleansing (including your body). You want some warmth in your water, since as you probably know, heat can help loosen plugs in pores. (This is the reason steamers are so popular with aestheticians.) Warm skin also absorbs your subsequent skincare products better.

What is the healthiest way to clean your skin?

Use warm water rather than hot water. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. Choose mild cleansers instead.

Is it better to wash your face with a washcloth or hands?

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.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

What type of washcloth is best for face?

It's important to use soft face washcloths with care to avoid any irritation to the skin. Opt for high-quality, natural cotton face cloths, as they are gentle on the skin.

How often should one shower?

Showering 2-3 times a week may be sufficient for some, while others may need to shower daily or multiple times a day. In-Depth Explanation: There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how many times you should shower each week. Factors like physical activity, climate, and individual skin type play significant roles.

Which is the number one face wash in the world?

Our top picks
  • Best for sensitive skin: Tower28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser, shop for $20.
  • Best for oily skin: La-Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, shop for $17.
  • Best for dry skin: Bubble Soft Launch Hydrating Creamy Cleanser, shop for $17.
  • Best for hormonal acne: Differin with 5% BP, shop for $12.

Is CeraVe a good face wash?

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is an effective, but gentle cleanser that works on all skin types. I know it will work well for my patients whether they have oily, combination, or dry skin.

Is Dove soap ok for the face?

So, can you use hand soap to wash your face? Yes, but like we said – it's better to find a multi-purpose product that cares for the skin on your face, too. If you want to exfoliate your skin head-to-toe without stripping away moisture, go for Dove Men+Care Deep Clean 3-in-1 Hand + Body + Face Bar.

Do dermatologists really recommend Dove soap?

In general, most dermatologists will recommend a bar of Dove Sensitive Skin Soap, says Dr. Maya K.

What should you wash your face with?

Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Can I use bar soap on my face?

Amin said—the level at which its microbiome thrives—and altering its pH can cause irritation, dehydration, and make skin more prone to sensitivity and redness. So the long and short answer is yes, bar soaps are, at least from a chemical standpoint, bad for washing your face.

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