Some 10% of Irish people never clean their face, while many others use products that may not be appropriate or necessary, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, almost 30% of people use soap and water to clean their face, however soap can strip away the skin's natural oils and lead to it feeling tight and dehydrated. It can also cause issues such as inflammation and an oily complexion.

The survey of over 1,000 people also revealed that 10% of people do not clean their face at all, while 6% use face wipes for the job.

"I hate makeup wipes. They cause so many skincare problems, especially with rosacea, Demodex and folliculitis. They should strictly be used for an overnight stay or when on the run. They are not good skincare," commented consultant dermotologst, Dr Rosemary Coleman, of the Centre for Restorative Dermatology in the Blackrock Clinic.

She explained that the correct way to clean your face is with water in the morning, followed by cleanser and toner in the evening. This will remove any dirt, debris or make-up.

"I don't believe in double-washing. In the morning you can just wash with water. It's quite unnecessary to use another cleanser in the morning if all you've done is sleep," Dr Coleman said.

She also noted that it is important to avoid using hot water as this can stimulate redness and increase the chance of breaking blood vessels.

"At the very most, I would wash the face with warm water and finish with a cool-to-cold rinse," she explained.

While 21% of people surveyed said that they use a cleanser or cleansing lotion to clean their face, just over 10% said they use an exfoliating wash or scrub.

However, Dr Coleman pointed out that exfoliants should only be used once a week. Those who exfoliate every day often have irritated skin, she said.

Once the face is washed in the morning, SPF (sun protection factor) should be applied, while a hydrating night moisuriser should be used in the evening.

"I use the term ‘daylight block' rather than sunblock because you need SPF protection 365 days a year. It's about forming a habit year round. You wouldn't just clean your teeth in the summer," Dr Coleman noted.

Meanwhile, those with sensitive or dry skin should use fragrance-free and alcohol-free products, while eczema-prone skin may require additional hydrating moisturisers.

The survey of 1,002 people was conducted by McCabes Pharmacy in November 2019.