What You Shouldn't Do When Washing Your Face

Simple as the action itself might seem, there are a lot of things to consider when washing your face. Do you cleanse morning and night? Do you need a fancy brush? Are washcloths passé? Over all else, though, there's one thing you should never do when washing your face — and it all comes down to cleanser selection. Choosing the wrong face wash can seriously wreak havoc on your complexion, and it's best to just head the face drama off at the pass.

So, as you might expect, the face wash you choose might just be most important step of all, when it comes to your cleansing routine. It's tougher than it looks, though — after all, they come in just about every form imaginable; from ultra-gentle French face milks, to strident salicylic acid-infused acne busters; from a couple bucks at the drugstore, to well over a hundred bucks at your local department store. The sheer selection can be overwhelming at times, but keep your eye on the prize — it's very important to select the right formula for your skin type. Generally speaking, gels and foams are generally recommended for those with oily/combination complexions, while creams and milks tend to be the best option for those with dry skin.

You're also going to want to watch out for cleansers that lather too much — as celebrity esthetician René Rouleau told Shape Magazine,"If it’s creating the same kind of lather as your shampoo, it’s way too strong [...] You want it to be slightly frothy, not super bubbly." Bar soaps are also generally frowned upon, for similar reasons — as Dr. Jeanette Graf pointed out to StyleCaster, they tend to strip skin of moisture.

Interested in switching up your cleanser? Here are a few options fit for a variety of skin types to get you started.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $7.50, Amazon

This all-purpose cleanser is non-irritating, and works well for those with combination or oily skin.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, $18, G lossier

The newly-released cult fave is quickly gaining traction in the beauty world, and has a luxe, moisturizing texture suitable for those with dry skin.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $16, Amazon

This cleanser is great for the occasional break out — it uses gentle chemical exfoliation to help clear the skin of blemishes and scars.

Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle on YouTube!

Images: Courtesy Brands