How Often Should You Wash Your Face: Expert Guidelines
Discover the optimal face washing frequency for healthier, clearer skin
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the mirror wondering whether you should wash your face once or twice a day, you’re not alone. This seemingly simple question has sparked countless debates in skincare communities, with everyone from beauty influencers to your grandmother offering conflicting advice. The truth is, there’s no universal answer that works for everyone, but dermatologists have some science-backed guidelines that can help you find your perfect cleansing routine.
The General Rule: Twice Daily Cleansing
According to most dermatologists, the standard recommendation is to wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. This general guideline works for the vast majority of skin types, provided you’re using a gentle, non-irritating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural protective barrier.
However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule carved in stone. Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, explains that there’s no official rule or guideline about how many times you should wash your face each day—it totally depends on your skin type and what works for you.
The key factor in determining your optimal cleansing frequency isn’t just the number of times you wash, but rather the type of cleanser you use and how your skin responds to it. Using a harsh, sulfate-laden cleanser twice daily can be far more damaging than using a gentle, creamy cleanser once or even twice a day.
Morning Face Washing: Is It Necessary?
The morning cleanse often generates the most controversy in skincare circles. Some advocates swear by the fresh start it provides, while others argue it’s unnecessary and potentially harmful to your skin’s natural balance.
Benefits of morning cleansing include removing overnight buildup. While you sleep, your skin doesn’t just rest—it’s actively working. Washing your face in the morning can help remove any residue or bacteria that you picked up from your pillow, hair, and saliva while sleeping. Additionally, if you use heavy moisturizers or oils at night, a morning cleanse ensures these products don’t interfere with your daytime skincare routine.
Dr. Gohara notes that for ingredients to absorb properly, you need clean skin that’s totally free of oil and grime. This is particularly important if you use active ingredients like vitamin C serums or sunscreen in the morning, as these products work best on completely clean skin.
However, some dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts argue for skipping the morning wash. Dr. Gohara herself admits, “I only wash my face once a day, since I like to give my skin a chance to be in its natural state”. She believes that “it’s good when skincare gets simplified—the more products you introduce to your skin, the easier your barrier can become irritated”.
If you use lightweight serums at night and wake up with skin that feels balanced and clean, you might benefit from simply splashing your face with water in the morning instead of using a cleanser.
The Non-Negotiable: Night Cleansing
While morning cleansing might be optional depending on your skin type and preferences, you need to at least wash your face every single night, no matter what. This isn’t up for debate among skincare professionals.
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Throughout the day, your skin works as a barrier against environmental aggressors. Your skin accumulates a layer of dirt, pollution, and grime plus a layer of your own skin oils and sweat. Even if you’ve had the most sedentary day possible, your skin is constantly producing sebum and shedding dead skin cells.
Leaving this daily buildup on your face overnight can lead to a cascade of skin problems. The accumulated grime can clog pores, leading to blackheads and breakouts. Environmental pollutants can cause oxidative stress, accelerating signs of aging. Makeup residue, if not properly removed, can cause irritation and interfere with your skin’s natural overnight repair process.
Moreover, leaving all that gunk on your face can lead to inflammation, irritation, dullness, and breakouts—especially if you make it a habit. Your nighttime skincare products also can’t penetrate effectively through layers of dirt and oil, making your entire routine less effective.
The Dangers of Over-Cleansing
While under-cleansing can cause obvious problems like clogged pores and breakouts, over-cleansing is a more subtle but equally damaging mistake. Many people, particularly those with oily or acne-prone skin, fall into the trap of thinking that more cleansing equals cleaner, healthier skin.
Dr. Vicki Belo, a renowned dermatologist, warns that “the most number of times you can wash your face is three times a day. Five times a day is bad”. But even three times might be too much for many skin types.
The primary danger of over-cleansing lies in what it does to your skin’s protective barrier. When you wash your face too much, it strips away your skin’s natural oils, so your skin tends to overproduce oils to make up for the ones washed away. This creates a vicious cycle where your skin becomes oilier, prompting you to cleanse more frequently, which only exacerbates the problem.
Dr. Gohara explains that “many cleansers—especially acne cleansers—are filled with harsh detergents called sulfates, which are the same thing you’d find in your dish soap”. These harsh ingredients “destroy your skin barrier by stripping away all its moisture, causing inflammation, redness, and a worsening of breakouts and oiliness”.
The irony is striking: the very behavior intended to combat oily skin and breakouts often makes these conditions worse. Excessive oil could trap more dirt and clog your pores, which will eventually lead to pimples.
Choosing the Right Cleanser
The frequency of cleansing is only half the equation—the type of cleanser you use is equally important. Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a board-certified dermatologist from Miami, Florida, emphasizes that “overwashing usually results from using a cleanser that’s too harsh for your skin”.
Many people reach for strong, medicated cleansers thinking they’ll solve their skin problems faster. However, “drying products tend to make our skin overcompensate by producing more oils”. Dr. Ciraldo explains an important distinction: “The skin’s oil levels and moisture levels are two different measurements, so oily skin can also lack hydration and be dry”.
Instead of harsh, stripping formulas, look for a face wash that’s creamy, gentle, and hydrating. These cleansers can effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup without compromising your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Special Circumstances for Additional Cleansing
While the twice-daily rule works for most people most of the time, there are certain circumstances where an extra cleanse might be beneficial:
Post-workout cleansing is important because sweat mixed with dirt and bacteria can clog pores if left on the skin for extended periods. However, if you’ve already washed your face in the morning and plan to work out later, you might want to save your “real” cleanse with product for after your workout, using just water beforehand.
Heavy makeup days might require a more thorough cleansing routine, potentially involving double cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one) rather than multiple washes throughout the day.
Exposure to heavy pollution or dirt might warrant an additional gentle cleanse, but be mindful not to make this a daily habit unless your environment consistently requires it.
The Water-Only Debate
Some skincare enthusiasts advocate for washing with water only, particularly in the morning. This approach can work for certain skin types, especially if you use minimal products and have naturally balanced skin.
Water can remove some surface dirt and refresh your skin without the potential irritation that comes with cleansing products. However, water alone cannot effectively remove oil-based products, sunscreen, or makeup. It also cannot provide the deep cleaning that removes bacteria and environmental pollutants that accumulate throughout the day.
If you choose to use water only in the morning, it’s crucial that you still do a proper cleanse with a gentle cleanser at night to remove the day’s buildup.
Finding Your Personal Sweet Spot
The journey to finding your optimal cleansing frequency is highly personal and may require some experimentation. Dr. Gohara shares her professional insight: “I’ve been a dermatologist for 14 years, and I have never once told a patient they needed to wash their face twice, no matter their skin condition”. She believes that “the magic number is one when it comes to skincare”.
However, this doesn’t mean once-daily cleansing is universally superior. The best approach is to listen to your skin and adjust accordingly. If you notice increased oiliness, breakouts, or irritation, consider whether you might be over-cleansing or using products that are too harsh for your skin type.
Start with the standard twice-daily routine using a gentle cleanser, then adjust based on how your skin responds. If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated, try reducing frequency or switching to a more gentle formula. If you notice increased breakouts or greasiness, ensure you’re cleansing thoroughly at night and consider whether your morning routine needs adjustment.
The Importance of Proper Rinsing
An often-overlooked aspect of face washing is the rinsing process. Dr. Belo emphasizes that “you can rinse it 20 times… Sometimes, the ears kasi when you wash, the soap is there, and when you rinse, nakakalimutan, so this is very irritating to the pores”.
Incomplete rinsing can leave cleanser residue on your skin, which can cause irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Pay particular attention to areas where cleanser tends to linger, such as the hairline, jaw, and around the ears. Lukewarm water is ideal for rinsing—hot water can be drying and irritating, while cold water might not effectively remove all product residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it bad to wash your face three times a day?
While not necessarily harmful for everyone, washing your face three times daily can be excessive for most skin types and may lead to over-drying and irritation. Stick to twice daily unless you have specific circumstances requiring additional cleansing.
Q: Can I use the same cleanser morning and night?
Yes, using the same gentle cleanser twice daily is perfectly fine and often recommended for consistency. However, some people prefer a lighter cleanse in the morning and a more thorough cleanse at night.
Q: Should people with oily skin wash their face more often?
No, people with oily skin should resist the urge to over-cleanse. Washing too frequently can actually stimulate more oil production. Focus on using appropriate products rather than increasing frequency.
Q: What if I forget to wash my face at night?
While not ideal, occasional lapses won’t cause permanent damage. However, make nighttime cleansing a non-negotiable habit, as this is when you remove the day’s accumulation of dirt, oil, and pollutants.
Q: Is it okay to wash my face in the shower?
Yes, but be mindful of water temperature. Shower water is often too hot for facial skin and can cause irritation and dryness. Use lukewarm water and consider washing your face first before the water gets too hot.
Remember, skincare is highly individual, and what works for others might not work for you. The key is finding a sustainable routine that keeps your skin healthy, balanced, and comfortable. When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific skin type and concerns.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/23548-acne-tips-face-washing
- https://belomed.com/the-base/when-it-comes-to-cleansing-how-often-is-too-often/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28100561/how-often-should-i-wash-my-face/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/skincare/a44414643/dry-cleansing/
- https://www.cosmedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/How_Often_Do_You_Really_Need_To_Wash_Your_Face.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6yj7XMoq14
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