Simple solutions to five common problems.

You haven't figured out yet how to blow-dry your hair like a pro, but if there's one thing you have mastered by now, it's washing your face—right? Well, don't be so sure: Most women aren't as skin-savvy as they think. We asked leading dermatologists to uncover the top five face-washing problems and, of course, help us fix them.

Mistake 1: Not using water.
Many people just moisten their hands, put cleanser on their fingers, and apply it to dry skin. "All cleansers are designed to work with water. Water is what cleans skin, and the cleanser and soap just enhance its effects," says Dennis F. Gross, MD, a New York dermatologist and founder of the MD Skincare product line. Be sure your face is dripping wet before you start to wash.

Mistake 2: Scrubbing too aggressively.
Superabrasive cleansing sponges or puffs can irritate your skin as well as cause broken blood vessels, says Ellen Gendler, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. The same holds true for mechanical facial scrubs made from nutshells, pits from fruits like apricots, or other irregularly shaped particles; these should be used twice a week at most (or not at all if you have dry skin or rosacea, or if you are using topical prescription medications such as Retin-A or Tazorac, which can make skin hypersensitive). The best way to buff is to put a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid on a cotton pad or your fingers, and massage it into your skin.

Mistake 3: Rinsing too fast.
"The purpose of a cleanser is to bind to the skin's oil and debris so that it can be removed when you rinse," says Marsha L. Gordon, MD, associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. "If you don't rinse well, you may leave irritants on the skin." Splash your face 8 to 12 times to ensure a clean finish.

Mistake 4: Treating your face the way you'd treat your body.
"You'd be surprised how many people use a drying deodorant body bar or a liquid hand soap on the face," says Valerie D. Callender, MD, director of the Callender Skin & Laser Center in Mitchellville, Maryland. "These soaps contain detergents and chemicals that strip oils, and aren't meant for delicate facial skin." Look for gentle, soap-free cleansers or anything made just for your face.

Mistake 5: Spending too much time washing up at the sink.
Cleansing more than twice a day and for more than 2 minutes at a time is a definite no-no. Too-frequent washing can dry and irritate your skin or stimulate oil production, which can result in clogged pores and breakouts, Gross says. Even if you hit the gym at midday, just rinse your skin with water, and save your cleanser for morning and night