How often should I wash my face?
This is simple – twice a day.
Simple answer, less commonly done. As I encounter patients in the dermatologist office, I feel like washing your face is a lot like flossing. I give the recommendation, but few actually do it. So, I’m going to role play how this conversation often goes in the office.
Dr Rosenberger, how often should I wash my face? or more commonly, how often should my teen wash their face? Twice a day at least, morning and night.
What about showering? Can I wash it in the shower? Yes, of course the shower is fine, as long as you actually wash it, not just let the water run over it.
Why do I need to wash it again in the morning when all I did was sleep? Good question. Oil accumlulates on the face at night, especially as we rub our face and hair on our pillow. Also, if you’ve applied any products or medicine at night, it’s good to wash before applying things in the morning.
What if I play sports, should I wash it more than twice a day? Of course. Anytime you’re grimy, go ahead and wash. I often recommend Cetaphil cleansing wipes for immediately after sports activities.
Can I wash my face too much? Yes, washing many times a day, over aggressively, can lead to “acne mechanica” – a type of acne worsened by over scrubbing the skin.
What should I wash with – what kind of wash? The type of wash that is best for you can vary based on skin type. In general, most dermatologists like Cetaphil and Cerave products, and those have washes for all skin types.
What should I wash with – what kind of device? In addition to a plain old washcloth, I often recommend considering a facial brush to more thoroughly wash the face.
Most importantly, why do we need to wash our face in the first place? Washing accomplishes a few goals. Exfoliating dead skin, removing germs including bacteria and removing oil and other debris from the skin.
So, the next time you are wondering, or your teen is asking, the why and how often to wash your face. Here are the answers!
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