Face Washing Basics

The face should be washed gently and with a cleanser mild enough to leave the skin comfortable afterwards. Morning and evening suit many people; very dry or sensitive skin may require cleanser only once a day.

The Edwardian morning began with a cold or tepid wash at the basin, performed before breakfast or correspondence. The modern arrangement is more convenient. Lukewarm water and a mild cleanser are sufficient, and there is no prize for leaving the face tight enough to prove that it has been washed.

An ordinary bar of soap is convenient because it is already in the shower, though many examples are too harsh for the face and leave the skin tight after washing. If the face is both dry and oily, changing to a mild cleanser for several weeks is a sensible first experiment before purchasing a shelf of corrective preparations.

A gel formula often suits oily skin, while a cream cleanser is generally kinder to dry skin. If you cannot yet say which kind you have, begin with a mild product labelled for all skin types and observe the result for a fortnight; discomfort after washing is a better guide than the promises on the bottle.

Use the fingertips in gentle circles for about thirty seconds, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat the face dry. The towel must itself be clean and allowed to dry between uses; one which has remained damp upon the rail for four days should go directly to the wash, and the same applies with greater force to a neglected flannel.

Apply a small amount of moisturiser afterwards, including upon oily skin, choosing a lighter preparation where a heavy cream feels uncomfortable.

Wash again after heavy sweating. Persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, or irritation requires more than frequent changes of product and may deserve advice from a physician or dermatologist.

Further guidance

• Face washing 101, American Academy of Dermatology