You're Probably Washing Your Face Wrong. Here's How to Do It Right
One of the most common causes of breakouts, dryness, and chronic skin sensitivity isn't your diet. It isn't stress. It isn't even your products. It's how you cleanse.
Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine and it's the step most people get wrong. Not because they don't care, but because nobody really taught them the right way to do it. We shared some of this on our Instagram, and the response told us everything: this needs a longer conversation.
So here it is — the full version.
5 Cleansing Mistakes I See in My Treatment Room Every Week
After 15+ years working with skin, these are the habits that show up over and over and the ones causing the most damage:
01. Water that's too hot
Hot water feels good but it's one of the fastest ways to compromise your barrier. It strips the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced, leaving you with that tight, squeaky-clean feeling that's actually a warning sign not a goal. Lukewarm is always the right temperature.
02. Cleansing for less than 30 seconds
Most people apply cleanser, do a quick swipe, and rinse. That's not cleansing that's wetting your face. Effective cleansing takes 45 to 60 seconds of actual contact time to break down SPF, sebum, and the day's buildup. Time yourself once. It'll surprise you.
03. Using a cleanser that's too harsh for your skin type
If your skin feels tight, dry, or looks dull within an hour of cleansing your cleanser is too aggressive. Squeaky clean is damaged clean. A well-formulated cleanser removes impurities without disrupting the barrier. That's it. Nothing more dramatic than that.
04. Skipping the double cleanse at night
A single cleanse doesn't fully remove SPF or long-wear makeup. Whatever's left on your skin overnight goes straight into your pores during the hours your skin is supposed to be repairing. Oil cleanser first, then your regular cleanser every single night.
05. Aggressive scrubbing or using a rough towel
The skin on your face is thin. Pulling, scrubbing, or rubbing it dry creates micro-inflammation that compounds over time contributing to sensitivity, broken capillaries, and uneven texture. Pat dry, always. And skip the loofah.
If you recognize yourself in two or more of these — don't worry. These are some of the most common habits I see, and they're all fixable starting tonight.
How to Cleanse Correctly: Step by Step
This is the method I walk through with every new client at Glow Lab. Simple, effective, and built around protecting the barrier not fighting it.
MORNING
01. Rinse with lukewarm water
Unless you sweat heavily overnight, a gentle rinse is often enough in the morning. Over-cleansing in the AM strips the oils your skin produced overnight the same oils that protect your barrier throughout the day.
02. Gentle cleanser — only if needed
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a light gel or foam cleanser in the morning makes sense. If your skin is dry, sensitive, or combination water alone is often the smarter call. The goal is to start the day balanced, not stripped.
EVENING
01. Oil cleanser first — on dry skin
Apply an oil or balm cleanser to completely dry hands and a dry face. Massage for a full 60 seconds in gentle circular motions — this breaks down SPF, makeup, and sebum at a molecular level. Then add water to emulsify and rinse.
02. Water-based cleanser second
Now you cleanse. Your regular cleanser gel, cream, or foam depending on your skin type goes on to address actual skin concerns: excess oil, pore congestion, residue. Massage for 45 to 60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water.
03. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel
No rubbing. No rough cotton. Pat gently and leave skin slightly damp this is the ideal moment to apply your next skincare step, because damp skin absorbs better than completely dry skin.
Tip: "I keep a separate face towel and wash it every two to three days. What goes back onto a clean face matters just as much as what comes off it."
How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin
There's no universal formula. The right cleanser depends entirely on your skin's current condition and that can shift with the seasons, your environment, and your age. Here's a general guide:
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Dry or sensitive skin
Cream or milk cleansers. Look for barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, or chia seed oil. Avoid anything with fragrance, sulfates, or alcohol. If your skin feels tight after cleansing it's the wrong product. -
Oily or acne-prone skin
Gel or foam cleansers that remove excess sebum without over-stripping. Salicylic acid can help with congestion, but use it once a day maximum twice a day is too aggressive for most skin. Balance is the goal, not elimination of oil. -
Combination skin
A gentle, balanced cleanser not a product designed for either extreme. Many people with combination skin over-cleanse their T-zone and under-cleanse their dry areas. One gentle product, applied evenly, is usually more effective than targeted products. -
Compromised or reactive skin
The gentler, the better. Strip everything back no actives, no fragrance, no exfoliants in the cleanser step. Simplicity is the most powerful thing you can do for a compromised barrier. Once it's rebuilt, you can reintroduce other ingredients slowly.
Not sure which category your skin falls into? That's exactly what a consultation is for. I assess your barrier function, hydration levels, and skin history before recommending anything.
Start With a Consultation
If you're not sure what your skin actually needs or your current routine isn't working the way it should come in. We assess everything before recommending anything.
