How to Use Face Wash: A Men’s Guide to Facial Cleanser
Men often underestimate the power of a good facial cleanser – but this simple skincare step has long been the foundation of a clearer-looking, more comfortable-feeling complexion.
When it comes to how men wash their face, many rely on water alone – but that isn’t enough to remove the dirt, oil and impurities that build up on the skin throughout the day. So, when building a skincare routine, men should start with a face wash that provides a deep, refreshing cleanse and supports a clear-looking complexion.
Below, we’ll explain why men should use a facial cleanser, explore how often guys should cleanse, and walk you through our step-by-step routine on how to properly wash your face.
What does cleansing do?
Facial cleansing removes excess oil, dirt, sweat, and environmental pollutants that build up on the skin throughout the day.
It should be the first step of any skincare routine – resetting the skin and preparing it to absorb moisturisers and serums more effectively. A well-formulated cleanser can also help strengthen the skin moisture barrier, which in turn helps reduce pimples and blackheads.
Why should men use a facial cleanser?
Men should use a facial cleanser because men’s skin is typically thicker and coarser, with larger pores and more active sebaceous glands. This can lead to excess oil, clogged pores, and hyperpigmentation. Shaving your face can also increase daily stress on the skin – causing sensitivity, ingrown hairs or uneven texture if the skin isn’t properly cleansed first.
By understanding how to use a facial cleanser, men can address these concerns, preparing the skin for a smoother shave while helping it feel balanced and comfortable.
How often should you be cleansing?
For most men, cleansing twice daily – once in the morning, and once at night – is sufficient.
A morning cleanse removes overnight sweat and oil, while an evening cleanse clears away dirt, pollution, and product residue built up over a busy day. Men who exercise regularly, work outdoors or have oily skin can benefit from a double cleanse at night.
How to wash your face: men’s step-by-step guide
Cleansing your face doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these six steps to reset your skin and leave it feeling refreshed:
- Wet your face with lukewarm water
- Apply your facial cleanser
- Wash in circular motions for at least 30 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly
- Pat your skin dry
- Finish with a moisturiser for men (and SPF in the morning)
With these steps, you’ll know exactly how to use facial cleanser in a routine that delivers glowing skin that looks clean and balanced – every day.
Step 1: Wet your face with lukewarm water
Start with hydrating your skin by splashing your face with lukewarm water.
Cold water can cause pores to tighten, while hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils – leading to dryness or irritation. Keeping the temperature at a medium level helps open pores, which allows your cleanser to work more effectively.
Step 2: Apply your facial cleanser
When choosing a facial cleanser, you’ll want to start with a formula that avoids harsh agents and includes hydration support.
Enriched with caffeine, menthol and vitamin E, our Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash is suitable for all skin types. Together, these ingredients cleanse effectively while leaving skin revitalised, making it a reliable daily go-to for men beginning their routine.
To apply, simply take a twenty-cent coin–sized amount onto your fingertips and spread it evenly across your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, before working it into harder-to-reach areas such as the hairline, jawline and around the nose.
Step 3: Wash in a circular motion for at least 30 seconds
Massage the cleanser in using gentle upward circular motions, avoiding excess pressure around delicate areas like the eyes. These movements lightly exfoliate while allowing the formula time to break down oil, dirt and dead skin cells.
Aim for at least thirty seconds to ensure a thorough, revitalising cleanse.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Leftover product can cause irritation and clogged pores, so rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all cleanser residue.
Be sure to always use gentle movements – no harsh scrubbing necessary. Ensuring that all cleanser has been removed helps maintain a balanced skin moisture barrier and prepares the skin for the next step in your routine.
Step 5: Pat your skin dry
After rinsing, gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Avoid rubbing or pulling at the skin here, as this can affect moisture levels and lead to irritation. A light pat preserves the skin’s natural oils and leaves it ready for moisturising.
Step 6: Finish with moisturiser (and SPF in the morning)
Applying a moisturiser immediately after washing helps lock in hydration. Just be sure that, when choosing a moisturiser, you choose one tailored to the time of day you’ll be using it.
· For the daytime try Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men. Infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and caffeine, this moisturiser for men locks in moisture and supports your skin moisture barrier throughout the day. Follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen – a summer skincare essential – to protect against UV damage.
· For the evening, our Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream is a strong choice. With botanicals rich in omega-3 and squalane, it absorbs quickly into men’s skin – leaving your skin feeling refreshed and looking bright come morning.
Now that you know how to use face wash, take your skincare routine further with our tip on how to exfoliate your face for an even smoother result.
Shop this article
Ultra Facial Cleanser
A foaming facial cleanser suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive. Gently removes excess oil, dirt and debris without drying or stripping the skin.
Ultra Facial Toner
A gentle, alcohol-free facial toner for all skin types.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil
A nighttime anti-ageing face oil that visibly restores skin while you sleep.
Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Our #1 squalane moisturiser delivers ultra-lightweight, 24-hour hydration and promotes barrier repair for softer, healthier skin.
