How often should I wash my face?
Washing face is HARD. Well not “is” but “was” after I succeeded in maintaining a consistent habit. I was in a meeting today with some of my skincare freak girlies and things did go a bit surprising for me when of them said she does not like washing her face too often and that her daughter almost never washes her face apart from the times she drooles in sleep. It made me think like… are there people who are ACTUALLY not washing their faces everyday?? And how often do you REALLY need to wash your face?
I hate to say it, but it depends. “Generally speaking, one should wash their face one to two times per day,” says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Agency’s medical director in San Diego.
Jean Charles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Cedar Park, agrees and prefers nighttime washing if you do it just once. “At the end of the day, we have accumulated dirt, makeup, oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and pollutants that need to be washed off to prep your skin for your nighttime skincare routine.”
There are exceptions: if you work out regularly or sweat heavily, you should wash your face more often. For oily skin, more frequent washing is recommended. “It’s important to use a gentle cleanser and avoid over-washing, as excessive cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation,” Dr. Tolpinrud notes. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can skip the morning wash and just splash your face with water before applying your skincare routine.
Do I Have to Wash My Face More If I Exercise?
Yes, definitely. You should wash your face as soon as possible after working out. “When you exercise, sweat is produced to help regulate body temperature,” says Dr. Tolpinrud. “Sweat can mix with bacteria and dirt on the skin’s surface, leading to clogged pores and potential skin issues such as acne or folliculitis.”
Do Dirty Sheets Affect Your Face?
Yes, they do. Washing or changing your sheets frequently is crucial. If you don’t change your sheets weekly, washing your face more often may help. Sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris on your sheets can cause acne and other skin problems. If you’re acne-prone, change your pillowcases once a week, even if you don’t swap out the rest of the sheets. Using pillowcases made of breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics like cotton can also help.
Other Factors to Consider
Exercise routines, climate, weather, and makeup use can affect how often you should wash your face. During winter, skin tends to be drier, so you might skip the morning wash. In summer, heat and sweat may require washing twice a day. Those who wear makeup might opt for a double-cleansing routine.
Do I Need To Change My Face Washing Habits Around Certain Times of the Month?
Not necessarily. “There are no specific times of the month to change your face-washing habits,” says Dr. Charles. However, as women near menopause, lower estrogen levels can make skin drier and more prone to irritation. In such cases, washing at least once a day, preferably twice, with a gentle cleanser is recommended.
If you’re unsure where to start or struggle with skin issues despite regular washing, it’s time to see a dermatologist. But as Dr. Tolpinrud says, “How often one washes their face depends on personal preference.” There you have it—wash or don’t wash.
Do what works for you lovelies!!!
