These face-washing mistakes are damaging your skin, here's how to cleanse the right way

Skincare tips: Experts recommend cleansing no more than twice a day, morning and night, unless you’ve been sweating excessively or exposed to heavy pollutants (Image: Canva)

Do you rub a dollop of cleanser between your palms and scrub your face in hurried circles, splash water on your face and forcefully swipe a towel to dry your skin? Next time, stop and notice the tightness that creeps across your skin.

Rushing through your daily routine, you may not notice how you wash your face and what your simple habit is doing to your skin. The simple act of splashing water, lathering the cleanser and rinsing it off, can cause harm to your skin without you even realising it, says Dr Swati Agarwal, MD Dermatologist and Director at Skination Clinic.

“From using hot water to over-scrubbing, small mistakes can lead to dryness, breakouts, and irritation. The way you cleanse your face can negatively impact your skin’s health. Using the wrong techniques or products can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to issues like acne, irritation, and sensitivity,” she says.

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To keep your skin healthy and glowing, Dr Agarwal shares the most common face-washing mistakes and suggests tips to fight them:

Transferring dirt and bacteria to the face: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your hands come in contact with around 10 million bacteria daily, making it essential to keep them clean before touching the face.

“Many people don’t realise that their hands carry bacteria, dirt, and oils that can easily transfer to the face. Skipping this step before cleansing increases the risk of clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. Washing your hands before cleansing is a simple yet important step to prevent introducing bacteria to your skin,” says Dr Agarwal.

Stripping natural oils, causing irritation: Your skin has a natural pH level of around 4.7 to 5.75, which helps maintain its protective barrier. However, using a harsh cleanser can disrupt this balance, leading to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. “A good cleanser should be sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced to avoid disrupting the skin’s microbiome. Medicated cleansers should only be used if prescribed by a dermatologist, as they cater to specific skin concerns,” says Dr Agarwal.

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She also suggests options based on skin type. For dry or sensitive skin, a gentle, hydrating formula helps prevent irritation. Oily or acne-prone skin benefits from a purifying, oil-free cleanser to control excess oil and breakouts. Combination skin requires a mild, balanced cleanser that maintains hydration while keeping the skin clear.

Stop over-cleansing your face: 

While keeping your skin clean is important, over-washing can do more harm than good. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), recommends cleansing no more than twice a day, morning and night, unless you’ve been sweating excessively or exposed to heavy pollutants. “Washing your face too frequently, especially with harsh cleansers, can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity. Over-cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, causing an overproduction of oil as a compensatory response. This can lead to more breakouts, especially for those who are prone to acne,” warns Dr Agarwal.

Avoid hot water: 

A splash of hot water on your face may feel good and relaxing, however be careful as this can strip the skin of its natural moisture, which cause dryness, redness, and worsen conditions like eczema. Studies suggest that hot water can damage the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss. Agrees Dr Agarwal, “It is best to avoid hot water and opt for lukewarm water. The latter is the best choice for face washing. It effectively removes dirt and oil without causing irritation.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.