Here’s the lowdown on how and when you should be washing your face based on your skin type.
Are you over-washing your skin and stripping it of its natural oils? Or are you not washing it enough to clear your pores of oil build-up and toxins? Knowing how many times to wash your face for oily skin, or any skin type, comes down to your makeup and skincare routine. To ensure you’re washing your skin enough (and not more than enough), we’re bringing you everything on face washing—including the best products!
How often should you wash your skin?
As a general rule for all skin types, you should wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that is suitable to meet you skin needs. The type of cleanser you use will depend on your skin type and the routine you have with your makeup. For instance, foaming cleansers are great for those with oily skin but be too much for dry skin types; likewise, a cream cleanser could be just the thing for normal skin types but too greasy for oily ones.
If you’re a heavy makeup wearer, then you may need to go the extra mile and factor a double-cleanse into your evening routine to ensure you’ve taken off all your makeup and wiping away any pollutants and irritants that have built up over the day.
What is the best water temperature to wash your face?
Lukewarm water is best to wash your face. This is because water that is too cold tightens the pores and traps in debris, reducing the effectiveness of each wash; whereas water that is too hot strips the skin of the protective oils that aid moisture retention, while also causing irritation.
Lukewarm water will adequately work with your cleanser to remove all the dirt and debris on your skin, without stripping your skin barrier. Once you have cleansed and dried your face, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort.
Should you wash your face in the morning?
Just like brushing your teeth in the morning keeps pearly whites free from bacteria, washing your face in the morning helps remove all the impurities (oil and grime) that may have been left behind on your skin. But make a note: ensure you’re using a gentle cleanser because washing too many times with a harsh soap can have detrimental effects!
Should you wash your face before bed?
We get it, there are those days when you don’t want to do anything and by anything, we know you mean, nothing at all. But washing your face still has to be on the agenda. Even though you may have sat on your couch with a bag of chips, away from the world and all its pollution, your skin still collects dirt and several other impurities. Starting a new day with yesterday’s unwashed gunk can lead to dullness, darkness, inflammation, and acne. So, commit to a nighttime face-washing session and save yourself from all the avoidable dermis drama.
Also, while washing your face two times is the best, don’t go overboard with the splashes and soap rubs as too much washing or too many chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils. Also, don’t wipe your skin with coarse towels for the friction may trouble your pores. Instead, use a soft napkin and pat your face dry.
How to choose the best cleanser for your skin type
With so many cleansers on the racks, how do you choose the best one for you? It all comes down to your skin type (oily, dry, normal or combination) and the right cleanser advice. Plus, you need to consider your skin’s sensitivity — are you acne-prone or do you have any other skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis?
The best cleanser for dry or flaky skin
Nothing works better to do away with dryness and flakiness than Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash; a formula that protects your skin’s natural suppleness and also adds to it. Creating a barrier on your skin’s oil glands, what Simple does is literally very simple–it locks in healthy amounts of sebum for hours at a go! So, whether you’re on a flight or a tiresome day at work, the cracks never come close.
.png "how many times to wash face for oily skin")
The best cleanser for oily skin
If you have oily skin, gel or foaming cleansers will give you the best results. St. Ives Apricot Smooth Skin Face Wash is loaded with natural fruit extracts that deeply purifies the skin without making it feel overly dry or tight.
To make the most of this fruity cleanser, apply it on your oily patches–your nose, chin, forehead and cheeks. Follow the application with gentle circular motions (not too rough as that can leave your skin red!). Once the facewash lathers, spread it evenly on your face; gentle motions will do that purifying magic! Repeat this process daily to refresh your dermis.
The best cleanser for normal skin
For those with normal skin — neither oily nor dry — a water-based cleanser should be on your go-to list. Reach for the Pond’s Bright Beauty Facial Foam. Enriched with advanced Vitamin B3+, this cleanser gives your skin that beautiful shine and nourished suppleness!
Should you use cleansing oil?
If you’re looking to diversify your skincare routine, you can also try using something like a cleansing oil or balm — these tend to be more moisturising than traditional cleansers and they can cut through thicker makeup and sunscreens. So, when removing layers of heavy foundation, a cleansing oil when used twice (double cleansing is the new IT talk) can easily break the stringent chemical bonds!
And if you are still confused by all this skincare information, dial your dermat and know where to get started! Understand what your skin wants and needs, and get working accordingly!
FAQs
Q: How often should I wash my face if I exercise?
A: When activity is in the picture and you’re sweating, an extra wash is required. If you don’t get rid of the post-workout bacteria, it can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and even acne.
When you don’t have running water or a cleanser to use, fall back on oil-free wipes — they make for a good temporary fix.
Q: How often should I wash my face if I have combination skin?
The combination skin people are considered to be a part of the lucky clan for you don’t have to go hunting for the right cleanser — more or less, everything suits you.
However, you still need to wash your face twice a day for refreshed and clean skin!
Written by Anushka Shah on Jun 24, 2022