🧠 Understanding Men’s Skin Series – Part 2
The Biggest Face Washing Mistakes Men Make Without Realising
Face washing feels like the simplest part of skincare.
Most men assume:
“If I wash my face regularly, I’m doing enough.”
But in reality, how you wash your face matters far more than how often you do it.
Many men experience skin that feels:
• Tight after washing
• Oily a few hours later
• Rough, irritated, or uncomfortable
These issues are often not caused by products, but by daily washing habits that quietly work against the skin.
This article explains the most common face washing mistakes men make, why they cause problems, and what to do instead — without adding extra steps.
1. Using Very Hot Water on the Face
Hot water feels refreshing, especially after a long day or workout.
But for facial skin, it creates problems.
What hot water does:
• Strips natural protective oils
• Weakens the skin barrier
• Leaves skin feeling tight and dry
When this happens regularly:
• Skin tries to compensate
• Oil production increases later in the day
• The face feels greasy even though it was “clean”
What to do instead:
Use lukewarm water.
It cleans effectively without stressing the skin.
2. Washing the Face Too Often
Some men wash their face:
• Every time they feel sweaty
• Multiple times a day
• After coming home, again at night, and again in the morning
More washing does not mean cleaner skin.
Overwashing:
• Removes protective lipids repeatedly
• Disrupts the skin’s natural balance
• Leads to dryness followed by oil rebound
What to do instead:
Wash your face twice a day only:
• Once in the morning
• Once at night
This is enough for most men.
3. Using Regular Soap Bars on the Face
Soap bars are designed for the body, not facial skin.
Most soap bars:
• Have a high pH
• Strip oils aggressively
• Leave residue that dries the skin
Using soap on the face regularly can cause:
• Tightness
• Rough texture
• Uneven skin comfort
What to do instead:
Use a gentle facial cleanser designed specifically for the face.
This one change alone improves skin comfort significantly.
4. Scrubbing the Face Too Hard
Scrubbing feels like it removes dirt better, but facial skin does not need force.
Harsh scrubbing:
• Creates micro-irritation
• Weakens the skin surface
• Makes skin feel sensitive over time
This is especially problematic for men who:
• Shave frequently
• Have combination or sensitive skin
What to do instead:
Massage cleanser gently using fingertips for 20–30 seconds.
Let the cleanser do the work.
5. Rubbing the Face Dry with a Towel
This is one of the most overlooked habits.
Rubbing with a towel:
• Causes friction
• Creates repeated stress on the skin
• Worsens dryness and irritation
Over time, this contributes to:
• Roughness
• Uneven texture
• Reduced skin comfort
What to do instead:
Pat dry gently or let the skin air-dry for a few seconds.
6. Leaving the Skin Completely Dry After Washing
Many men wash their face and walk away without applying anything.
When skin is left dry:
• Water evaporates quickly
• Skin feels tight within minutes
• Oil production increases later to compensate
This cycle leads to the common complaint:
“My skin feels dry after washing but oily later.”
What to do instead:
Apply moisturiser within one minute after washing, while skin is slightly damp.
7. Expecting Immediate Results from Face Washing Alone
Face washing is maintenance, not treatment.
It:
• Keeps skin clean
• Supports comfort
• Prepares skin for moisture
But it cannot:
• Fix imbalance alone
• Replace moisturising
• Protect from sun exposure
Understanding this prevents frustration and over-washing.
What Men Should Remember
Face washing should:
• Clean without stripping
• Support balance, not fight it
• Feel comfortable, not harsh
Simple corrections in daily habits often improve skin more than switching products repeatedly.
Takeaway
Most men don’t have “bad skin.”
They have unintentional habits that quietly work against it.
By correcting how you wash your face — not washing more — skin becomes easier to manage, more comfortable, and more balanced.
In the next blog of the Understanding Men’s Skin Series, we’ll explore one of the biggest myths men believe:
Why daily moisturising doesn’t make men’s skin greasy.
