Should You Clean Your Face Every Day

Everyone’s facial skin care routine is different. So, you may wonder if you are “doing it wrong.” A question that is asked frequently is “should you clean your face every day?” The truth is, how often you wash your face and what products you use depend very heavily on your skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, or normal skin should determine your beauty routine. Remember that your skin is completely unique, so feel free to reach out to a dermatologist or your doctor to create a personalized care plan for your skin as they can give you the best advice for you specifically. Below are some general rules to follow for your basic skin care routine based on skin type. 

Dry Skin

With dry skin your skin barrier is already slightly broken. This means that you have to take extra good care of your skin to keep it healthy. That being said, washing your face every day could be a good idea, but it should only be a maximum of once a day. Dry skin tends to collect dry skin cells on the skin’s surface which can cause itching, irritation, and dull looking skin. Therefore, washing your skin once a day either at night or in the morning is recommended. You should use a mild and gentle cleanser like a foaming cleanser to maintain the moisture. 

Oily Skin

Oily skin is a different animal than dry skin. While you may feel the need to wash your skin multiple times a day to get rid of the oils, this can actually make the problem worse. If your skin thinks it does not have enough oil because you are removing it with a cleanser, your skin may actually produce more oil to compensate. With this in mind you would wash your face once a day with a gentle cleanser. Once a week you could also include a face wash for acne prone skin to keep your oil production under control. 

Normal/Combination Skin  

With normal or combination skin your skin is able to maintain a good balance on its own. Because it needs less assistance staying in homeostasis you are able to go longer without washing your face. It is easier for you to wash your face once every other day. However, many people like to wash their face daily to feel clean and refreshed. This is okay as well, as long as you are not using a harsh cleanser. 

Moisturize

No matter what your skin type is, you need to moisturize your skin after every wash. Even if you are using a mild, gentle cleanser the natural oils from your face have been removed and you need to apply a moisturizer or purifying skin serum to maintain a proper balance of hydration in your skin. Also, there is a myth the people with oily skin do not need to use a skin serum, and it is not true. While you may only need a light moisturizer it is still important for you to moisturize on a regular basis. For those with dry skin, you should moisturize at least once a day, if not twice. You can consider using a thicker moisturizer at night and a lighter one in the morning. Overall, it is essential to moisturize with every wash of your face. 

The key to any skin care routine is a balance of your natural skin and your products. You want products that will compliment your skin and not battle against it. Therefore, focus on all natural products that keep your skin’s pH and oil production balanced. Don’t forget to apply a facial serum or moisturizer after you wash your face as well for the best results.