How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Face?
Finding Your Face Washing Sweet Spot for Your Clearest Skin Ever
You shower every day. That counts as washing your face, right? Not quite. A Tiege Hanley survey revealed that one in three men don’t wash their face daily. Meanwhile, 63% of men skip the facial cleanser. What do they use instead? Some use bar soap, others body wash. Neither is ideal.
Whether you fall in the bar soap camp or have a more sophisticated skincare routine, washing your face is an easy step to skip or rush through. But it’s more important than you think. And it’s not just about washing dirt off.
“Cleansing your face is the most foundational moment of your skincare ritual. It’s a way to purify — [both physically and energetically] — and calm your nervous system and prepare your skin to actually receive the benefits of anything you apply after,” says Mikaela MacLean, master esthetician and founder of Energetic Rx.
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It’s more than hygiene. It’s a moment of self-care. And it’s a small habit you don’t want to neglect. Here’s how often you really need to wash your face, what happens if you don’t (or if you overdo it) — and how to do it right.
Why Washing Your Face Matters More Than You Think
Washing your face — with the right product and at the right frequency — is key. Men have unique skin care needs, says Dr. Sarah Higgins Cheng, aesthetic dermatology expert and head of clinical at Pinch: “Due to testosterone, men produce more oil, which can make skin more prone to clogged pores and acne. A good cleanser can make a big difference in preventing breakouts, dullness and premature aging.”
And no, rinsing with water won’t do the trick. As MacLean puts it, “it's like rinsing your mouth with a swish of water versus brushing with toothpaste.” It won’t break down oil, sunscreen or pollution particles (yes, that’s something that accumulates on your skin on a daily basis). “Without proper cleansing, your skin starts to feel rough and look dull, and long-term damage from environmental stressors can start to show,” adds MacLean.
So, How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Both MacLean and Higgins Cheng agree that it’s the sweet spot for your skin. “But if you’re only going to cleanse once, evening is imperative,” notes MacLean.
Cleansing plays different roles depending on the time of the day. In the morning, it’s important to remove overnight sweat, oil and dead skin cells, “especially if you're someone who isn't changing his pillowcase frequently,” notes Higgins Cheng.
At night, the goal is to get rid of the day’s build-up, from sweat to pollutants. This matters even if you haven’t worked out that day — your skin gets exposed to all sorts of gunk, from your phone screen to smog.
You can also think of a nightly face-cleansing habit as a way to wash away the stress of the day. “It’s both a physical, surface-level cleanse as well as a personal purification ritual,” adds MacLean.
A twice-a-day routine helps keep your skin clear and maintain a healthy skin barrier, which you can think of as a natural shield that locks in hydration and protects your skin from environmental stressors.
Yes, It’s Possible to Overdo It
That said, washing your face more than that or using products that are too harsh can backfire — and it’s a common mistake.
“Over-washing, especially with harsh products such as benzoyl peroxide or acid-based products, can strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Higgins Cheng. “This can lead to dryness, irritation, redness and even an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate. It can make acne worse and can compromise the skin barrier over time.”
When your skin barrier is damaged, you can experience an array of issues such as breakouts, dry, scaly or flaky skin, infections, irritation, itchiness, rough patches and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Confused about what to aim for? MacLean says you should avoid that tight and squeaky-clean feeling: “It’s about being gently, thoroughly clean while still respecting the skin's integrity.”
Cleansing Basics Every Guy Should Know
Ready to ditch the body wash and upgrade your face-washing routine? Here are a few essential steps to remember:
- Use a gentle facial cleanser
- Wash your face morning and night — and never skip the evening part even if you’re tired
- Use lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser on your skin for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse (again, with lukewarm water, as hot water can dry out your skin)
- Pat dry with a clean towel — don’t rub
No need to make it complicated. Consistency can go a long way in keeping your complexion healthy.
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