If you ask 5 of your friends how often they wash their faces, you will most likely get 5 very different opinions depending on their skin type and makeup routine. When it comes to cleaning your skin, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, and how you should care for your skin depends on your age, activity level, and even the weather.
While washing your face once in the morning and once at night is thought to be sufficient, it may work for some people and be too much or not enough for others.
We decided to dig deeper into this topic to finally answer this question once and for all.
Your Skin Is Dry Or Sensitive
While it may seem tempting to splash water on dry skin, it can actually do more harm than good. If your skin is dry and very sensitive, washing it twice a day can be very irritating, and it is best to rinse it off with lukewarm water in the morning without using any products.
Using gentle oil-based products at night can help remove impurities without irritating delicate skin.
Your Skin Is Oily And Prone To Breakouts
If your skin shines easily and it seems like literally, anything can cause it to flake off, it’s totally understandable that you want to clean it as much as possible.
But washing your face more than twice a day can really sabotage all of your efforts because it will increase sebum production, causing even more acne.
To help your oily skin stay matte longer, opt for acid-based cleansers, and remember not to over-cleanse your face.
You Wear Heavy Makeup
Nothing can lift your mood and refresh your complexion faster than well-done makeup, but product buildup easily builds up on your skin and can cause clogged pores and even premature wrinkles.
Proper cleansing is key when it comes to removing makeup, and washing your makeup every day will help your skin stay fresh and youthful for longer.
You Hit The Gym Almost Daily
Staying active is absolutely vital to managing your weight and helping you feel energized, but washing your face before and after you exercise is one skincare rule you shouldn’t break.
Removing makeup before you exercise will help prevent clogged pores that appear when bacteria combine with sweat and dead skin on your face. Washing your skin immediately after finishing your workout can remove bacteria that can cause acne.
You Notice That Your Skin Changes With The Seasons
When you find a product that works wonders for your skin, it’s tempting to buy it and use it every day. But adapting your skincare routine to the different seasons can actually prevent many irritating skin conditions and help your skin stay wrinkle-free longer.
In winter, when the air gets colder and drier, it’s best to wash your face just once a day and use intense creams and serums to help lock in needed moisture.
How often do you wash your face? Does your skincare routine work for your skin type?
Preview photo credit Tara Moore / Stone / Getty Images, Edwin Tan / E+ / Getty Images
