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What happens if you cleanse too much?

What happens if you over- or under-wash your face? Overwashing your face is actually a real issue and it can be just as problematic as not washing your face enough. “Overwashing can lead to the stripping of the skin barrier, which results in red, itchy, dry, irritated skin that feels 'squeaky clean,' explains Dr.

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Face washing may seem like an easy task, but there are actually levels to it. From understanding what type of cleanser you should be using to knowing how often you should wash your face—it proves to be a routine essential that requires way more than just soap and water. How often you wash your face can also make a difference in your appearance. But failing to cleanse your face regularly can lead to various issues like super oily skin, blemishes, and breakouts. “Not washing enough can lead to clogged pores and acne. It also may preclude other products from penetrating and doing their job,” says Mona Gohara M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist and vice president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society . How often you should wash your skin will also depend on your skin type. Those with oilier skin may find that they need to wash their face more often than those with dry and sensitive skin. If you wear heavy makeup or load up on sunscreen throughout the day, you’ll definitely want to cleanse daily to get rid of the product build-up. “Layers of residue can accumulate on the skin creating itch and irritation. Makeup each day should be washed away is my motto. If it’s on, it should be gone,” advises Dr. Gohara. So if you’re wondering if it’s better to wash your face once or twice a day or if it’s bad to wash your face too many times, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, we consulted dermatologists to find out the magic number when it comes to face washing frequency. Plus, the best expert-approved face washes to use when it’s time for a good clean.

How often should you wash your face?

In general, you should be cleansing your face at least twice a day. “You should wash your face both morning and night because the skin creates sebum and oil throughout the day,” says Saya Obayah, M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist located in Austin, Texas. “As the weather changes and gets cooler and drier, you should pay attention to your skin and see if it requires daily cleansing twice a day. For many of us, the wintertime is a good season to decrease face cleansing to once a day and increase moisturizing by using creams, serums, and masks,” explains Dr. Obayah.

For acne-prone and oily skin

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“If you have acne-prone skin , you should wash your face at least twice a day,” says Dr. Obayah. “A foaming cleanser can be helpful for oily skin and it’s important not to skip out on using moisturizer when you have oily skin (lack of moisture can lead to your skin overproducing oil to keep it hydrated). Look for water-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid that can hydrate without adding oil to the skin.”

For combination skin

Follow the same rules as above, advises Dr. Obayah. “Cleansing twice a day is ideal unless you’re noticing your skin getting flaky, dry, or irritated, then it’s ok to take a break,” she advises. “Combination skin will need a thicker moisturizer than oily skin, especially in dry winter weather. Look for moisturizers with ceramides and lipids to get you through the cooler months.”

For dry and sensitive skin

Washing your face twice a day may cause irritation for those with dry and sensitive skin types. Experts recommend using hydrating face washes that include good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. You can also swap out your twice-daily washes with micellar water , a great option for gentle, effective cleansing.

What happens if you over- or under-wash your face?

Overwashing your face is actually a real issue and it can be just as problematic as not washing your face enough. “Overwashing can lead to the stripping of the skin barrier, which results in red, itchy, dry, irritated skin that feels ‘squeaky clean,’ explains Dr. Gohara. “If your skin feels tight, that is its SOS to add in moisture, stat.” And if you’re washing too little, you may end up dealing with acne and breakouts due to clogged pores. So be sure to wash your face at least once a day in the evening or right before bed. That will allow your skin to breathe and repair itself from any damage while you sleep.

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