Cleansing your face is a non-negotiable part of any beauty regimen, whether that’s your standard simple skincare routine or a skincare aficionado’s 10-step Korean routine. While washing your face may seem like a simple daily ritual, you’d be surprised as to how many people actually skip this step. Other people, on the other hand, seem to have developed a fixation on washing their faces. Is over-cleansing a thing? And just how many times in a day should we actually wash our face?
Why is it necessary?
Although it can be invisible to the naked eye, dirt, environmental pollutants, and other impurities can accumulate on your face as you go about your daily errands. Neglecting your skin and ignoring the dirt build-up can trigger skin problems. For instance, the oils and excess sebum can clog your pores, which in turn can lead to acne, whiteheads and blackheads, spots, and fine lines.
Cleansing transforms your skin into a blank canvas that absorbs the other products you’re going to apply. Washing your face, much like washing your hands, keeps things clean and healthy. But since your face doesn’t come in constant contact with surfaces like your hands do, you don’t need to go overboard.
How often should we cleanse?
No matter your skin type, it’s necessary to wash your face at least once a day. While some skincare experts say that the natural oils produced at night are good for your skin, others argue that our skin also comes into contact with pollutants even when we’re asleep. Dirt from your hair and your pillowcase can transfer onto your skin, after all. A safe bet would be to wash your face in the morning and at night
However, if your face is on the dryer side, you can skip the daytime wash and go for a purifying toner or micellar water instead.
How can you tell if you’re overwashing?
If your skin is feeling too tight or dry, you might have been washing your face too much. You should also observe if your skin appears reddish, dull, or flaky.
Then again, if you haven’t been washing more than twice a day, then the problem could lie in your products and not in your cleansing frequency. Some products containing alcohol or menthol can be too harsh for sensitive skin types. Make sure to opt for sensitive or anti-aging skincare lines that contain botanical extracts. More natural products can often lessen irritation from washing.
What do I do if I’ve been overwashing?
If you think your skin has been suffering from overwashing, the main key is to simply give it time to repair itself. Of course, lessen your washing to only twice a day, and try to limit the products you’re using.
For removing your makeup, steer clear of products that strip away natural moisture. Try out using olive oil or an oil-based cleansing balm to gently melt away products on your face. Meanwhile, if you’re dealing with acne, go for witch hazel or rose water instead of a cleanser with salicylic acid, as active ingredients may be too harsh on overwashed faces.
Cleansing your face regularly is important. Just remember not to do it more than twice a day, and to use products that your skin will agree with.
If you’re interested in more beauty health hacks, read our next article on 5 magnificence tips each woman should know.