How to Wash Your Face (Teens)

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD

Last Updated: June 24, 2024

It's important for everyone to wash their face but when you're a teen, you skin can be changeable and your sensitivity about your appearance higher than when you're a child or an adult. Clean skin is healthy skin, use products suitable for your skin and don't scrub too hard and you'll be doing a great job at washing your face.

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You should have a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and a fresh towel. Use a mild facial soap if you prefer, skip the toner or use whatever your dermatologist or doctor has recommended. Flannels or face cloths are useful for washing your face, you can also use cotton wool pads.
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This does opens up all of your pores. Your cleansing agent will work better on the skin on your face if you have opened your pores.

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Make sure to apply the mild facial soap or cleanser to your whole face, avoiding the sensitive eye area. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.} Clean make up from your eyes with eye make up remover. If you don't wear make-up around your eyes or lashes, use a cotton pad or the corner of a face cloth dampened with warm water to wash around your eyes.
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If you don't rinse off, the soap can actually cause skin problems. Unless directed, rinse directly off thoroughly.
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Cold water helps to close the pores in skin and prevent dirt, make up and bacteria building up inside pores, which can cause black heads.
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Don't rub harshly with a rough cloth or scratchy paper towel. Apply toner if desired.
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Use one with a sun protection factor if you want to protect your skin from the sun. ^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
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If you buy a new soap or cleanser to deal with a particular problem, it won't work over night. Try using it for six weeks at least, unless it causes a bad reaction such as a rash or itching the first time you use it.
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Using a product for dry skin when your face is a little oily isn't ideal, and, vice versa, so if possible have a choice, or something for combination or normal skin available when needed.

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How often should I wash my face as a teenager?

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Paul Friedman, MD, is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and the Director and Founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the current President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Best Dermatologists in America for Laser Treatments. His awards include the Husk Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery and the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine and received his medical degree with the highest honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine.

Paul Friedman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Answer

Try to wash your face at least twice a day. If you can only do it once, then wash at night to clean off any build-up from the day. When you wash, avoid scrubbing your face aggressively since it can damage your skin.

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Question

What should I wash my face with?

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Paul Friedman, MD, is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and the Director and Founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the current President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Best Dermatologists in America for Laser Treatments. His awards include the Husk Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery and the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine and received his medical degree with the highest honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine.

Paul Friedman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Answer

Use a gentle facial cleanser so you don't damage your skin while you're washing your face.

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What is the best cleanser?

Community Answer

For dry skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser; for normal or dull skin: Clean and Clear Morning Burst; for combination or oily: Cetaphil Daily Cleanse.

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Wash your face after any physical activity, as well. Sweat and dirt cause pimples and blackheads.

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Seek help from a doctor if your skin is very oily, very dry or very prone to blemishes. They can recommend treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.

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Washing your face to remove any make up or dirt at night keeps it healthy.

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Warnings

If you have a serious problem with your acne or pimples, seek medical help. Doctors can offer special medications that can help out.

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Follow instructions on the package. Don't use more wash or medication than instructed to avoid problems.

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Always, unless otherwise instructed, wash off the face wash and medication. If left on, it can cause problems.

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Things You'll Need

Face wash
Acne or blackhead medication (optional)
Towel

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Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

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