In 2020, you’ve likely been washing your hands more than usual. Since washing your hands more frequently has become the new norm, you may be wondering if you should increase the number of times you wash your face as well. When it comes to using a face wash to clean your face, knowing how often and how to wash it can be confusing. There are so many alleged skincare experts out there with an opinion. However, our Skin Health Experts are here to help.
Regardless of your skin type, daily face washing is an integral part of a healthy skin routine. Using a facial cleanser will help clear your skin of all the unwanted gunk, dead skin cells, and excess oil that accumulate throughout the day. However, washing your face too often can strip the skin of natural oils that protect a skin barrier from bacteria. Stripping your skin of these oils altogether may leave your skin raw and more susceptible to acne and breakouts.
So, how often should you wash your face?
How Often to Wash Your Face for Clean Skin
If you’re wondering how often to wash your face, the answer is daily! Remember when you were younger, and your parents would make you sing a song while washing your hands? The same thing applies to face washing. Washing your face for a full 20 seconds will help rid your skin of harmful irritants without stripping it completely. Wash it for less time, and you might not get all of the bacteria off fully.
Additionally, remember to use cold or lukewarm water when washing your face. Using water that’s too hot can strip your skin of all oils and leave your face feeling dry and irritated. For a full cleanse, begin working your cleanser onto the top of your face and massaging it down to your chin. Be sure to use up the entire twenty seconds before washing your cleanser off. After rinsing, we suggest following up with Hydrating product like our DermalQuench collection, followed by any treatment serums and your favorite moisturizer like this Oil Free Moisturizer.
Pro-tip for glowing skin:
While many people choose to wash their face with their hands, we recommend using something soft, like a skin-approved washcloth. After cleaning your face, be sure to wash the cloth as well. Using a dirty washcloth to clean your skin will reverse any positive benefits you may receive from washing your face as it can leave impurities on the surface of the skin.
Is it Better to Wash Your Face Once or Twice a Day?
We understand that time can get away from you, and while it might not always be convenient, in a perfect world, our Skin Health Experts recommend washing your face twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. If you wash your face before bed, you might wonder why it is essential to rewash it in the morning. Most people don’t realize that while you sleep, bacteria builds up on your face.1 Washing your face in the morning not only serves as a quick wake up, but it also clears your skin of this nighttime bacteria. Washing your face before bed is extremely important as it cleans your skin of any makeup, dirt, and excess oil that has built up throughout the day.
Note: It's important to avoid overwashing your face, which leads to irritated and dry skin and can remove natural oils that keep your skin happy and healthy-looking.
When Should You Wash More Than Twice?
While twice a day is recommended, there are a few scenarios where you may want to wash your face more often. Specifically, when you’re in conditions of extreme heat and exercise. If you’re a fan of hitting the gym and have been known to work up a sweat, then go ahead and wash your face after your workout.
Using a gentle cleanser like the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser is a great way to remove any bacteria without drying out your skin. After rinsing, we suggest following up with Hydrating product like our DermalQuench collection, followed by any treatment serums and the right moisturizer for your skin type.
Washing Your Face After Makeup
As we’ve mentioned above, leftover makeup from the day isn’t good for your skin so washing your face after a day of makeup is a must. Foundation or powder products can lead to clogged pores and excess oil on the skin. As a result, skin impurities and acne can surface. But don't worry--taking the necessary steps to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin can help keep these problems at bay. You may want to consider a double cleanse at night - washing your face twice before following up with other products and treatments. This will ensure you get all your makeup off. Double cleansing also helps remove excess oil and clear clogged pores. Finally, pat dry your skin until the face is free of any water droplets.
What Should You Wash Your Skin With?
When it comes to the different skin types, there’s one thing they have in common - if you actively wash your face twice a day, you’ll want to make sure to use a gentle cleanser. Try washing your face with cold water and a gentle cleanser to avoid dry, irritated skin.
If you're in the market for an effective every day cleanser, try the Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash. Clinically formulated to help wash away makeup, this sulfate-free cleanser will remove impurities and pore-clogging oil without over drying your skin.
For individuals searching for an acne-fighting cleanser to help with problem skin, we suggest the Kate Somerville EradiKate® Daily Foaming Cleanser. This facial cleanser works great on blemish-prone skin by keeping breakouts at bay, unclogging pores, and balancing your skin’s natural oils.
Understanding your skin type can help you determine the amount of skin washing you should do in a day. This will also help you identify skincare products that Are well suited for treating your specific skin issues. The more you know, the better your skin will look and feel - today and overtime.
Adjust Your Face Washing Routine to Your Skin Type
When determining how often you should wash your face, we recommend starting with a routine that involves two daily face washes and see how your skin reacts. If you feel that your skin is drying out quickly, try cutting back on your morning wash, and only wash your face at night. Conversely, if you work up a sweat throughout the day and need another wash, go for it! Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for all. The best way to decide how often you should cleanse your face is to Implement our recommendations into your own routine and see how your skin responds.
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