How often to wash your face to get a healthy glow

Skincare PSA: Don’t underestimate the importance of intentional cleansing.

“Consider washing your face the foundation of your skincare routine, as it removes dirt, oil, and sweat,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Plus, it also sets up the rest of your routine by preparing the skin to be optimally available for the active ingredients to penetrate the skin and work optimally.”

Although washing your face may seem very simple, how you do it and what you use matters. Indeed, choosing the wrong formula for your current skin type and complexion concerns, over-cleansing, or using harsh formulas or ingredients can wreak havoc on your skin.

“The right cleanser can improve skin health; the wrong one can harm, leading to barrier disruption, dryness and irritation. So it’s very important to choose the right cleanser for your skin’s needs,” says Dr. Zeichner. “On the other hand, using a cleanser that is too gentle may not completely remove elements from the skin, which is also not beneficial.” Bottom line: It may be time to rethink your facial cleansing routine habits and the facial wash formulas you use regularly.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate expert-approved guide to cleaning your face. It includes an in-depth analysis of how often and why you should wash your face, what ingredients and formulas to look for, the precise temperature of water you should use to wash your face, and much more .

Benefits of washing your face

Facial skin presents particular concerns compared to body skin. Dr. Peredo explains that “facial cleansing helps remove excess oil, makeup, sweat, dirt and dead skin cells. “The face is exposed to all elements, including free radicals and pollution, so washing your face refreshes the skin and gives your complexion a chance to breathe.

“The benefits of washing your face include more hydrated, balanced, clearer skin and a brighter complexion,” says Dr. Turner. “Plus, cleansing can also help reduce breakouts, as buildup from skincare and makeup, as well as excess oil and dead skin cells, can clog pores, causing breakouts. rashes and increasing the risk of skin irritation.”

It could also play a role in how quickly your skin ages because, as Dr. Turner notes, all of these factors can also trigger inflammatory processes in the skin, which can, over time, accelerate aging. Dr. Peredo emphasizes the importance of daily cleansing of the skin as it is linked to maintaining proper oil and hydration levels. “Cleaning also helps balance oil production,” she says. “If you use the right cleanser for your skin type, you will remove excess oil while promoting the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and balancing oil production to prevent skin from becoming too oily or too dry .”

Choosing the Right Cleaner

First, know that the temperature of the water you use is important. Dr. Zeichner says that when washing your face, always try to use truly lukewarm water, meaning neither lukewarm nor cold. “It’s a myth that hot water will open your pores and cold water will close them,” he says. “Pores don’t respond to water temperature in this way, so rather than thinking of pores as windows that open or close, think of them as pipes that can become clogged when water Oil and dead cells build up inside. This is why washing your face is so important.

When it comes to choosing a cleansing formula, Dr. Zeichner says it’s crucial to know your skin type as well as what will benefit it at that time. “If you have ultra-sensitive skin, opt for gentle formulations like non-foaming milky cleansers or micellar water, which tend to be the gentlest,” he says. “For normal to oily skin, consider a foaming cleanser which may be needed to completely remove oil from the skin; and if you have oily or acne-prone skin or are looking for exfoliating benefits, use a cleanser containing salicylic acid to remove excess oil and dead cells from the skin’s surface to keep clear pores and brighten the complexion.

Dr. Turner says the texture of the cleanser you choose is a simple way to determine if it’s the best one for your skin. “If a formula is a water-based gel or foam, it is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, as these types of cleansers tend not to be very hydrating and are very effective at removing excess sebum,” he explains. “However, if you have very dry or sensitive skin, these formulas can be stripping and you will want to look for a more nourishing formula: these are generally creamier textures, cleansing oils or balms containing increasing doses. higher lipid levels to help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water loss If you love a mega cleanse but don’t like the leathery feeling after washing, Dr. Turner explains the beauty of using it. “Oil is great at breaking down oil – like attracts like – so an oil cleanser can emulsify and remove excess oil without stripping the skin,” she says. he, adding that double cleansing with a water-based cleanser to remove any residual product on the skin can be beneficial.

How often to wash your face

“You should wash your face at least once a day without fail,” says Dr. Turner. “Even if you haven’t left the house and haven’t applied any products to your skin, dirt and oil build up, as do dead skin cells, and cleansing helps remove the accumulations that can congest the skin or leave it dull.” If you apply skin care products, sunscreen, or any other level of makeup to your skin, experts recommend cleansing before bed. “Morning and evening cleansing is generally recommended; However, cleansing more than once a day can leave skin too dry, so it’s important to choose the right formula,” adds Dr. Turner.

Because there are so many options for cleanser formulas, you can play around with a combination that feels good to your skin. “Some people may simply use a micellar water for their morning cleanse depending on their skin type or the skin care products they used the day before,” he says. “But everyone should wash their face every night to remove not only makeup, sunscreen, and skin care products, but also the dirt, oil, and grime that builds up on our skin throughout the day. all day.” Dr. Zeichner agrees that although most experts recommend cleansing twice a day, even once a day is acceptable for most people. And if you skip a face wash session, Dr. Zeichner recommends it be in the morning, not the afternoon. “I always recommend washing your face in the evening before bed to remove buildup from the day,” he says, adding that if you’re sweating or exercising, plan to wash your face after the session as well. of perspiration. “So if you’re going to the gym, in some cases, washing a third time may be OK,” he says.

Do you need active ingredients in a facial cleanser?

Just as specific ingredients can help treat and prevent complexion issues in skincare treatments, from serums and moisturizers to masks and more, experts say the active ingredients in cleansers are important. “If you need hydration or have sensitive skin, you need a cleanser loaded with lipids like ceramides and squalane or jojoba oil, which will help support the skin barrier and prevent breakage. water loss as well as protecting your skin from external irritants,” explains Dr. Tourneur. Prone to breakouts? Opt for a cleanser based on salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid. “Regardless of your skin type, use a cleanser with humectants like aloe or hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s hydration levels,” he says. “I also really like cleansers with alpha hydroxy acids, which can be used daily to help exfoliate the skin, leaving it brighter and smoother.” Dr. Zeichner notes that in some cases, “your cleanser can act as a therapeutic agent for your skin, helping to treat a particular condition,” he says. “So when cleansing, think of it more as a short contact therapy than just a wash. You want to let it sit on the skin, so be sure to lather it up and rub it in in circular motions for that you sing happy birthday to yourself before rinsing.