5 Signs That You’re Not Washing Your Face as You Should, According to a Derm

Contrary to what one might think, your skincare routine doesn’t begin with sunscreen, serums, or your nutricosmetic supplements. A good face wash ritual is the unequivocal base for any serious cleansing.

According to a survey conducted by CeraVe, up to 80% of Americans make at least one common mistake when washing their face—that might be using improper products, like a body wash or soap. (66% of men and 40% of women use hand soap or body wash to cleanse their face, and more than a third just use water.) Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice daily (morning and night); still, over 50% of respondents said they fail to wash their face properly before going to bed.

“Get cleansing wrong and it’s very hard to get skincare right,” skincare expert and dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting tells Vogue.

Nighttime hygiene is tantamount to clean and healthy skin—throughout the day, your skin barrier has been exposed to pollution, dirt, and temperature changes. And how we use our skincare in the evening matters, too.

Pharmacist and dermatologist Lena de Pons emphasizes that there’s a balance. “Many people believe in ‘more is more.’ They apply lots of cleanser because they feel like it’s not cleaning the skin enough. However, for every part of soap, it takes many more parts of water to emulsify properly and produce a lather. Using too much can then, actually, be the source of certain skin problems. Say you don’t rinse it off properly, then residue can remain on the skin and cause pimples or irritation. Every time you use soap—whether hand soap, shampoo, body wash, or even dishwashing soap—use less than and watch to see if you emulsify it correctly. You will save product and, therefore, money!”

Below, de Pons breaks down five other signs that indicate that you’re not washing our face as you should. Recognize any of these issues?Then it might be time to rethink your routine, your face wash, and what you need from it. Take action and your face washing might just change your skin for the better.

5 signs that you’re not washing your face properly, according to an expert

When you finish your cleansing, your skin is tight

This is indicates that your cleanser has been overused. “It means that it has removed the hydrolipidic film—a protective barrier composed of a mixture of water and lipids—which has several very important functions and should be there. You’ve overdone it!” says de Pons.

Every time you wash your face you end up with reddened skin

This is yet another sign that your skin barrier function is in trouble. According to de Pons, this might be due to washing your face with water that’s too hot or too cold, or you’re rubbing too hard with a towel.

Your skin feels dry after washing

If you don’t apply another product immediately afterwards, your skin feels super dry. You shouldn’t need to supplement a simple cleanse with serum for your skin to feel neutral and calm. Consider the facial cleanser you’re using—check the ingredients for actives or any irritants.

Your skin itches when you apply the next product, no matter how innocuous it is

Don’t immediately assume your moisturizer or face serum is the culprit—go back to the base.

You feel an oily film when you finish cleansing

Your face wash might just be too greasy or dense for your skin type. But there’s no need to throw it away—consider using it for the rest of your body. (Your legs in particular, which is an area more prone to dryness).