How Many Times Should You Wash Your Face if You Have Acne

While acne is not caused by dirty skin, regular cleansing is still important. This helps in removing excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria buildup that can inflame and clog your pores.  But how many times a day do you need to wash your face? Is once or twice a day enough or could you benefit from more cleansing?

Continue reading and learn how often you need to wash your face, as well as a few tips on cleansing if you‘re struggling with breakouts.

Once, Twice, or More?

Whether or not you have acne, the general recommendation for washing your face is twice a day (morning and night). Some people, especially those with normal skin, can get by with at least once daily (before bedtime). If you, however, have oily or acne-prone skin, it is best to cleanse your face two times a day.

Be sure to wash after exercising or sweating, as sweat can clog your pores and worsen your breakouts. The same is also true for sweating due to heat or working around oil or greasy food. The oil and grease from the air can get into your skin, inflame your pores, and cause a spot to develop.

Be careful with your choice of cleanser

Your facial skin is delicate, so it is best to steer clear from harsh soaps and cleansers. Avoid the use of bar or hand soaps, as well as rubbing alcohol when cleansing your face. Stick with a gentle cleanser or a face wash that is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types. 

Cleansers or medications with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide are good choices, but they can sometimes cause purging or irritation. This means that they can make your breakouts worse before getting better. The purging can last for weeks and make you think that the product is counterproductive.

Be gentle with your face

When cleansing, use your fingertips and avoid washcloths, mesh sponges, or any other tool that can irritate the skin. Washing with your hand gives you more control with pressure, which is helpful in minimizing further irritation. Scrubbing your face is not advisable, as this can cause redness and aggravate your acne.  

Another important thing to remember is to keep your hands off your face. Touching your face can transfer dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face and trigger flare-ups. You should also avoid picking, popping, and squeezing your acne. Doing so will only prolong the healing process and increase your risk of getting scars. 

Don’t wash too often

Excessive washing can strip away the essential oils your skin needs to stay healthy. It could also leave with dry, red, and flaky skin. While it may be tempting to wash your face throughout the day because of excess oil, it can only irritate your skin and cause more breakouts. 

You should also know that dryness due to over washing or cleansing make your skin overcompensate by producing more oil. The excess oil will then mix with the bacteria and dead skin cells, triggering more acne. Just stick to washing twice a day and once more after sweating. 

One last thing

Cleansing your face is important, but it isn’t enough to banish your acne. If you have mild acne, the consistent use of an acne treatment is important, especially those with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You will need to use the medication for several weeks or a few months to see results.

If you, on the other hand, have severe breakouts, prescription-strength medications from your aesthetic doctor are better. They have a better chance at clearing up your acne than over-the-counter products. You can also consider facials and other aesthetic treatments that can improve your skin’s condition.

Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore offers medical-grade skin care products like face cleansers. We also provide aesthetic treatments that can help with acne and improve your overall skin quality. Contact our clinic today and book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to learn more tips on managing your breakouts.