Skincare tips & advice
How To Cleanse Like a Derm
Face Washing 101
A facial cleanser is the foundation of any skincare routine. This basic yet essential product removes dirt and oil from the skin’s surface and sets the stage for the rest of your routine. Ahead, learn how to wash your face properly in this straightforward cleansing guide.
CLEANSING DO’S & DONT’S
Cleansing incorrectly can lead to a disrupted skin barrier and leave your skin feeling uncomfortable, tight, and dry. To help you get the most out of your cleansing routine, we’re sharing our top cleansing “dos” and “don’ts” to keep in mind when following a skincare routine for hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
FIND THE RIGHT CLEANSER FORMULA
Do: Choose a cleanser based on your skin type
Face washes are not one-size-fits-all skincare products. Choosing the best facial wash for your specific skin type can help effectively clean your skin without unwanted side effects (such as sensitivity, flaking, or itching).
Don’t: Choose harsh, drying formulas
Some cleansers contain harsh, drying ingredients that can weaken the skin barrier. To help gently cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry or stripped, CeraVe cleansers are formulated without alcohol, sulfates, or fragrance.
Cerave Has A Cleanser For Everyone
FIND THE RIGHT CLEANSER FORMULA
Although everyone’s skin is unique, there are a few general guidelines that can help you decide how often to wash your face. For help finding the ideal cleansing frequency for your skin’s individual needs, consult with your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.
Do: Cleanse your face twice daily, plus after sweating
Stick to a consistent routine that includes twice-daily cleansing: once in the morning and once at night. It’s also important to cleanse your skin after working out or doing any activity that causes you to sweat heavily.
Don’t: Wash your face too often (or not enough)
Over-cleansing and under-cleansing can both impact your skin’s appearance. On one hand, washing too frequently can strip your skin of important moisture. At the same time, not cleansing often enough can cause a buildup of pore-clogging dirt, oil, and bacteria.
FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF DERMATOLOGISTS
Do: Listen to the experts and seek help when needed
As mentioned above, harsh cleansers can damage your skin barrier, letting irritants in and moisture out. We recommend choosing a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand with gentle cleansers that can remove oil, dirt, and makeup without compromising the skin barrier.
It’s also important to seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist when needed. Your dermatologist can help answer any questions you may have about specific skin concerns and offer professional guidance or treatment options as needed.
Don’t: Skip moisturizer and sunscreen after washing your face
Besides cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are two skincare routine basics that every good regimen needs. Moisturizer helps hydrate your skin and prevent moisture loss, while sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In some cases, it’s possible to find both moisturizer and sunscreen in a single formula, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen.
For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use the Find My Skincare Solution tool.
Find the Right Cleanser for You
| Skin Type | Concern | Key Benefits | Key Ingredients | Texture | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrating Facial Cleanser |  Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Normal to Dry Skin | Cleansing |
| Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Cream |
| Foaming Facial Cleanser |  Foaming Facial Cleanser | Normal to Oily Skin | Oil Control |
| Ceramides, Niacinamide | Foaming Gel |
| Renewing SA Cleanser |  Renewing SA Cleanser | Normal Skin; Acne-Prone Skin | Gentle Exfoliation |
| Ceramides, Salicylic Acid | Gel-to-Foam |
| Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser |  Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser | Normal to Dry Skin; Including Sensitive Skin | Cleanses & Removes Makeup |
| Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Cream-to-Foam |
Personalized skincare quiz
Developed
with
Dermatologists
Ready at your finger tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cleanser do?
How often should I wash my face?
How long should I leave a cleanser on my face?
Can I cleanse my face with only water?
Should I use hot water or cold water to wash my face?
Should I wash my face in the shower?
Will scrubbing my skin harder give me a deeper cleanse?
Skincare tips & advice
Finding the Best Cleanser for Oily SkinOily skin is easy to identify, and the signs include enlarged pores, blackheads and unwanted shine. A facial wash for oily skin can go a long way for removing sebum, and the proper ingredients can help keep it feeling balanced, minimize blemishes and help keep the skin looking and feeling its best.
Skincare tips & advice
What Is “Double Cleansing” and Should You Try It?The process of “double cleansing” your skin can offer numerous benefits to your daily —helping to create the perfect, clean canvas upon which the rest of your routine lies. But how can you be sure if a double cleansing routine is right for you? This guide will cover everything you need to know before trying this popular cleansing technique, from our top .
Skincare tips & advice
5 Expert Tips for Exfoliating Without Disrupting Your Skin BarrierA healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydrated, balanced skin that looks and feels its best. This is especially true if you’re adding exfoliating products into your skincare routine, such as containing chemical or physical exfoliants. Keep reading to discover how to exfoliate your skin gently—without disrupting your skin’s protective barrier—with the help of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Clay.
Take me to Hong Kong SAR site