How to wash your face: Dermatologist-inspired tips

Be gentle with both products and technique

First things first, make sure you clean your hands first to help prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt onto your face. Then:

• Skip the wipes. Wipes can tug at delicate skin and may not cleanse thoroughly. A reusable, gentle cleanser is kinder to skin and more sustainable.
• Use lukewarm water, not hot –  it can strip your skin and worsen dryness or sensitivity. 
• Be gentle – everyone has different routines and techniques, but when it comes to how to properly wash your face,  we recommend using your fingertips or a soft washcloth to cleanse in small circles across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This method effectively removes impurities without over-scrubbing.
• Choose mild, pH-balanced cleansers like Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar, to create a soft, creamy lather in your palms. This Beauty Bar is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and made with ¼ moisturizing cream and mild cleansers, making it a gentle option for daily face washing if you have sensitive skin. However, all of our Beauty Bars are mild and moisturizing, perfect for cleansing your face, hands and body.

• Consider a double cleanse when needed - If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant SPF, a double cleanse can help to remove remaining impurities. If skin feels tight or uncomfortable, scale back – over-cleansing can irritate.
• Rinse thoroughly. Make sure there’s no residue left, especially around the nose, hairline, and jaw – again, use warm water rather than hot (as this tends to strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry and tight). 
• Pat dry and wait a moment before applying your skin care. Gently pat – don’t rub – with a soft towel. Wait around 1–2 minutes before applying moisturizer or treatments, so the skin is damp but not dripping. This helps the rest of your skin care routine to lock in moisture. 

Make cleansing a moment of self-care

If someone asked you “how do you cleanse your face?” and “how much time do you take?”, would you describe it as an act of self-care? As you cleanse, take a moment for a light facial massage:

• Gently glide your fingers from between the brows out along the brow line
• Use circular motions along the cheeks and jawline
• Keep movements soft and supported by the creamy lather of Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar

This temporarily boosts circulation, helps your cleanser work evenly and turns a simple step into a calming ritual your skin will appreciate. With the right routine and a gentle, moisturizing cleanser like Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar, washing your face properly becomes simple, soothing and effective.