The most optimal results in cleaning face are achieved when using warm water. If you have dry skin, hot water will make it even drier. Cold water should be used after cleansing as it helps to close the pores.
Now, when you know what water temperature you should use, choose the cleanser correctly. It should be meant for face not for any other part of body. Consider also the skin type. Good face wash chosen according to your skin type will help you to get the best results. For instance, acne skin must be treated with antiseptic and gentle cleansers; otherwise the condition of the skin will get worse.
One more point is pH. Your cleanser must have the same pH as your skin, that is around 5.5. So use soap only for extremely oily skin. And for sensitive skin use some soap-free cleansers.
Dermatologists’ opinions split on what kind of cleanser should be used for very sensitive and dry skin. Some say that this must be oil- and wax-free washes; others on the contrary insist that the right decision is a cleansing cream.
You may think that if you use a good face wash for dry skin, there is no necessity in scrubs. But it’s not so. Scrubs combine two functions: they clean and help to remove the dead skin. And it goes without saying that it is necessary for skin to go through some exfoliation from time to time. Besides, scrubs can also be different. There are mild variants specially designed for sensitive types of skin.
The thing that can really be dangerous for the skin is fragrances. They are most likely to provoke an allergy or irritation. However, there are not many products with fragrances specially designed for face. So, avoid using body wash for your face.
Further read about useful techniques for washing your face.