Dermatologist Tells Us The Most Hygienic Way To Wash Your Face

Washing your face is an imperative step in your morning and evening rituals, as doing so removes dirt and bacteria that could potentially clog your pores. There's also something so soothing about removing your makeup at the end of the day and then following it up with your skincare routine, even if it's the bare minimum. However, there is a right and wrong way to wash your face. "In my professional opinion, the most hygienic and skin-friendly way to wash your face is by using clean hands. I always emphasize to my patients the importance of washing their hands thoroughly before touching their face," dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman of DermOnDemand exclusively shares with Glam, adding, "Hands are gentle and don't create the same friction as a cloth, which can sometimes lead to irritation or microtears, especially for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin."

For those who prefer to use a cloth to wash their face, Dr. Kopelman suggests using a microfiber one, as it's softer and gentler than other fabrics. "Microfiber cloths can help effectively remove makeup and cleanser residue without being too abrasive," she tells us. Be sure to use a new cloth every time you wash your face, too, as damp towels can harbor bacteria, our dermatologist adds. Her pro tip? Keep a stockpile of towels on hand so you can easily grab a fresh one. Using your hands or a fresh microfiber towel isn't the only step in washing your face hygienically, though. Your cleanser matters as well — and there's one type you should stay away from.

Using a bar of soap may be the easiest option to wash your face, especially if you're in the shower and your cleanser is out of reach. However, Dr. Hannah Kopelman advises against it. "While bar soaps can be hygienic in theory, they tend to be too drying for the delicate skin on your face, disrupting your skin's natural barrier," she exclusively tells Glam. Rather, the dermatologist's favorite way to wash away dirt and makeup is with a liquid or gel cleanser. "Liquid cleansers are more hygienic because they don't sit in open air or collect bacteria like a bar of soap might," Dr. Kopelman explains.

Be aware that liquid cleansers aren't one-size-fits-all, so our expert suggests finding a pH-balanced one for your skin type. "For example, if your skin is dry, a hydrating cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating [Facial] Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle [Face] Cleanser is a great option," she states. On the other end of the spectrum, Dr. Kopelman adds, "If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I often recommend products with salicylic acid, like Neutrogena Oil-Free [Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin] or DermOnDemand's, which is specially formulated for problem skin." As for how often you should wash your face, our expert warns that anything over twice a day is overkill.

When it comes to cleansing your face without over-drying your skin, Dr. Hannah Kopelman thinks twice a day is the perfect amount. "Washing in the morning removes sweat and oils that accumulate while you sleep, while nighttime cleansing is crucial to remove makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants from the day," she exclusively shares with us. The exception to this rule is if your skin is on the drier side or is sensitive. In that case, the dermatologist tells us that rinsing in the morning with just water and then using a liquid cleanser in the evening is sufficient.

Finally, Dr. Kopelman says, "Consistency is key! Over-washing can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation, while under-washing might leave your pores clogged." This may mean you should try double-cleansing when you wash your face, but the more important takeaway is that you should find the best face-washing routine for your skin type.