So This Is How You Wash Your Face

Now that you've cleansed, get the postwash part down pat: Apply whatever products you use (toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer) within a few minutes, while skin is still damp and pores are open, says Bellis. The only exception is a prescription-strength retinoid treatment, says Dr. Batra; she recommends rubbing that in only after skin is fully dry, to help prevent irritation.

Repeat after us: Facial wipes are not a daily-cleansing solution.

Sure, they're convenient, but according to Chicago dermatologist Peter Lio, M.D., "many wipes are loaded with harsh surfactants and preservatives that can cause dryness and irritation if not washed off the skin." His advice: Don't be a wipe-aholic—reserve them for when you're on the go. And follow these guidelines: (1) Choose ones for sensitive skin. They're less likely to contain strong, irritating ingredients. (2) Use efficiently by starting in the center of your face and working to the perimeter. Then turn the cloth over and gently swipe again to ensure that you're lifting makeup and dirt away, not just smearing it around your face. (3) Always, always rinse with water or toner to get rid of any residue.

If you're feeling extra grimy, try double-cleansing.

Washing your face twice? We know; it's a lot to ask. But many experts are in favor of it. "This trend has been popular in Japan for years, because it gives a much more thorough cleanse," says Dr. Batra. But don't just repeat the same routine twice. For your first wash, massage an oil-based cleanser—or grab some olive oil from your kitchen—into dry skin (no need for makeup remover beforehand; the oil will do the job). Rinse, then move to the second cleanse, a skin-type-specific formula to get rid of bacteria and sweat. Everyone can benefit from this two-step process, but women who live in polluted areas should consider it a daily must, she says: "Cleansing meticulously is the only way to completely remove pollutants, which can cause dryness and wrinkles over time."

Cleanse before working out.

"If you don't remove everything prior to exercising, you run the risk of driving makeup, dirt, and oil into pores when you wipe away your sweat," says Dr. Schultz. To keep things easy, stock your gym bag with makeup-removing wipes and a bottle of toner. No time to shower? Use the toner at the end of your workout too.

Know whether you're dealing with "hard water."

Tried everything above but find your skin still has a filmy feeling? Hard water could be the culprit, says Dr. Batra. "The calcium and magnesium in 'hard water' can react with a cleanser's ingredients, so you don't get that sudsy lather or a clean rinse," she says. Her easy solution: Get a filter for your sink and shower. Or try Bellis' fix: Spritz a generous amount of thermal spring water (we like Avène Thermal Spring Water, $12.50, dermstore.com) on freshly cleansed skin, and blot with a soft towel to absorb excess minerals. Simple and effective.

To boost your glow, invest in a facial device.