How Often You Need to Wash Your Face, According to Science

If you ask 5 of your friends how often they wash their faces, chances are you’ll get 5 very different opinions based on their skin type and makeup routine. When it comes to cleansing your skin, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, and the way you should be caring for your skin depends on your age, activity level, and even the weather. Although it’s believed that washing your face once in the morning and once at night should be sufficient, it might work for some people and be too much or not enough for others.

Here at Bright Side, we decided to dive deeper into this topic to finally answer this question once and for all.

1. Your skin is dry or sensitive.

Although it might feel tempting to splash water on your dry skin, it can actually do more harm than good. If your skin is dry and overly sensitive, washing it twice a day might be too irritating, and it’s better to just rinse it with warm water in the morning without using any products. Using gentle and oil-based products at night can help wash off impurities without irritating delicate skin.

2. Your skin is oily and prone to breakouts.

If your skin gets shiny easily and it seems like, literally, everything can make it break out, it’s totally understandable that you’d want to cleanse it as much as possible. But washing your face more than twice a day can actually sabotage all your efforts, because it will increase sebum production, causing even more acne. To help your oily skin stay matte for longer, opt for acid-based cleansers and remember to not over cleanse your face.

3. You wear heavy makeup.

Nothing can boost your mood and refresh your look faster than well-done makeup, but product build-up accumulates on your skin easily and can cause clogged pores and even premature wrinkles. Proper cleansing is key when it comes to removing makeup, and washing it off every day will help your skin stay fresh and youthful for longer.

4. You hit the gym almost daily.

Staying active is absolutely vital for keeping your weight under control and helping you feel energized, but washing your face before and after a workout is a skin-care rule you shouldn’t be breaking. Removing your makeup before you exercise will help to prevent clogged pores that appear when bacteria combine with sweat and dead skin on your face. Washing your skin immediately after your workout is over may rinse away the bacteria that can cause acne.

5. You notice that your skin changes with the seasons.

When you find a product that does wonders for your skin, it’s tempting to stock up on it and use it every day. But tailoring your skincare routine to different seasons can actually prevent many annoying skin conditions and help your skin stay wrinkle-free for longer. In the winter, when the air gets cooler and drier, it’s better to wash your face just once a day and use intense creams and serums to help lock in that much-needed moisture.

How often do you wash your face? Does your skincare routine work for your skin type?