Washing your face can be vital for preventing pores from getting blocked up and potentially causing acne or other skin blemishes. However, how often you wash your face can have an impact on the health of your skin, depending on your skin type.
How Many Times a Day Should You Wash Your Face?
You should wash your face at least once a day to remove any oil, dirt, or pollutants that your skin has come in contact with. This facial cleansing should take place during the evening, typically before bed.
Many people also wash their face in the morning, through this step may not be right for everyone. If you typically apply heavy creams or serums at night, it can be good to wash those off in the morning, in addition to any oil or sweat your skin might have produced or come into contact with from your pillowcase. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin and use lighter products in the evening, you may not need to also wash your face in the morning. In fact, in some cases, doing so may lead to overwashing.
Overwashing
Overwashing occurs when your skin is stripped of its natural oils through cleansing your face too much. If your face is dry, tight, or red, it may be caused by overwashing, in which case you might want to try using a gentler cleanser, or not washing your face in the morning. Overwashing can occur more frequently with acne-fighting cleansers since their ingredients tend to be more drying.
Treating Acne
When treating acne, it can be tempting to wash your face more than twice a day. However, we don’t recommend it. Overwashing your face with harsh acne cleansers can dry out the skin, causing an increase in oil production, which can make acne worse. Instead of overwashing, if you suffer from acne, you might benefit from medical acne treatment.
Consult a Dermatologist
Whether you wash your face at night or in the morning, you should develop a skincare regimen based around your skin’s specific needs. At The Dermatology Clinic, we can help you create your perfect skincare plan at one of our three convenient Baton Rouge locations. Request an appointment today to find a regimen that best suits you.
