How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

When it comes to face washing, we all know that we have to do it every day. The number of times we need to cleanse our face, however, remains a controversial topic. For some, once before bedtime is enough, while for others, it needs to be done at least twice a day (every morning and night).

General rule to wash your face

In general, you need to wash your face twice a day (morning and night). Extra washing is needed after a workout or a sweat session to prevent oil, dirt, and other impurities from lingering into your skin. Failure to do so may clog your pores, which can then make your skin more susceptible to breakouts.

If you, on the other hand, can only wash your face once a day, it is best to do it before bedtime. This can help remove oil, dirt, grime, makeup, and other impurities that may have accumulated throughout the day. 

Dry and sensitive skin

For some people with dry, flaky, and sensitive skin, washing two times a day can be a little bit irritating. If this is the same you, stick to cleansing once daily at night and simply wash your face with water in the morning. 

You might also want to choose a gentle formula or hydrating cleanser. Be sure to avoid those with alcohol and parabens, as they can be irritating. A consultation with a skin specialist can help you choose the right face wash for your skin type or skin concerns.

Oily or acne-prone skin

Zits and excess oiliness may tempt you to wash your face several times. This “well-intentioned” habit, however, does your skin a disservice, as twice daily is enough. Over-cleansing may dry out your skin, prompting it to produce more oil to compensate for the dryness. This may contribute to clogged pores and blemishes. 

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free cleansers or those with glycolic acid (AHAs), salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Just take note that these ingredients can sometimes cause purging or irritation, especially with sensitive skin. Learning how these affects the skin can help you know what to expect.

Combination skin

When your skin is only oily on the T-zone, but dry or normal in other areas, you have combination skin. You may also have this skin type if your nose and chin appears rough and dull due to accumulation of dead skin cells.  

With combination skin, it is recommended to wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. This cleans the pores and removes dirt and impurities, leaving skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Foaming and purifying cleansers are good choices for this skin type. 

The standard skin care routine

A typical morning routine should start with washing your face, followed by a moisturizer. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen afterwards. Do this at least 30 minutes before going out to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays. 

At night, before hitting the sack, wash your face again and apply your night cream or moisturizer. If you use anti-aging or brightening serums, apply them first after cleansing, followed by moisturizer. Exfoliate at least once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.

Products worth considering

Dr. Sylvia’s Skin Care line offers cleansers without harsh formulas or strong fragrances. Here are some products you might want to consider:

Deep cleanser with AHA – This contains glycolic acid that has a deep-pore penetrating power. Its use of 10% glycolic acid allows it to reach deep into the skin, removing excess oil that often clogs pores. It also exfoliates dead skin cells, helping stimulate the growth of new skin cells.

This facial cleanser is also rich in natural moisturizers and antioxidants to help manage oily or problematic skin. It helps reduce blackheads and blemishes, and leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Perfecting Cleanser with RoseHip Seed – This deep wash cleanser is ideal for all skin types. It uses natural oils and extracts to cleanse the skin and gives it a supple appearance. It invigorates the skin through the power or rosehip seed oil and other nourishing vitamins.

It is also worth noting that this cleanser is professionally formulated to balance the skin’s natural pH, while lifting dirt and impurities from the pores. Its reviving benefits, furthermore, make it an excellent choice for your daily cleanser.

Arm yourself with better knowledge on how you can better take care of your skin. To learn more about our product recommendations and other skin care tips, explore our website or contact Cutis Laser Clinics today.