Cleansing the face seems like a simple thing, doesn't it? You'd think so… but at one of my latest classes we ended up discussing this topic for nearly an hour.

What types of cleansers should you use on your skin? Are bar soaps okay? What about washcloths and scrubbing pads? And then there's the question of water temperature. Should you follow the "steaming hot water to open pores, icy cold to close them up" routine or not?

The questions didn't surprise me. What did were the misconceptions many of the women had regarding cleansing and acne development. Since this was a general skin care class, not one specifically geared toward acne, we had a pretty fair mix of acne sufferers and those blessed with clear skin.

Those with rarely a pimple swore by their cleansing routine because they, well, rarely had a pimple. Their advice ran the gamut from helpful (never go to bed without cleansing your face) to truly unpleasant (swab your face with rubbing alcohol after every cleansing. Ouch!)

As well-meaning the advice was, it's hurtful for someone with acne to hear "You have acne because you're not washing your face." It's just not true.

So, with all the misconceptions out there, do you know how to properly cleanse your face?

_{Photo © Photodisc / Getty Images}

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