Here’s Exactly How Often You Should Be Washing Your Face, According to Dermatologists

Although it may not be as satisfying as applying a serum or a refreshing moisturizer to your skin, washing your face is one—if not the—most important step in an effective skin-care routine. Cleansing your skin sets the scene for the rest of your regimen by clearing away all impurities and allowing the other lotions and potions you apply to penetrate the skin and work better, says board-certified dermatologist Alexis Stephens, DO. But how often should you wash your face? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face twice a day—morning and evening—as a general rule, but as we'll dive into in just a sec, there are some exceptions depending on your skin type and concerns.

The consequences of an improper cleansing routine, says Dr. Stephens, include the buildup of bacteria, debris, and other impurities that your skin picks up throughout the day, which can lead to breakouts. It's also important to know how to recognize if you're over- or under-washing your skin and the best practices according to your skin type. Ahead, we'll break all of this down step by step to come to a consensus on whether you personally need to wash your face twice daily or if one will do the trick. Ahead, we'll break down these considerations with insights from five board-certified dermatologists who've lent their expertise to help determine the ideal face-washing frequency for you.

How often you should wash your face

Many people skip the morning cleanse because, well, the only thing that's happened since the previous face wash eight hours earlier (with a few exceptions we’ll leave to your imagination) is sleep. However, according to Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, that might not be ideal.

"Washing your face in the morning is just as important as washing it at night," says Dr. Ruth. It removes the buildup of nighttime oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, leaving you feeling refreshed and helping to ward off breakouts. "Morning cleansing can also help prepare your skin to absorb better daytime skincare products, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums," she adds.

But there’s more to morning cleansing than just refreshing your skin—it’s important you consider skincare ingredients. If your nighttime routine involves potent actives like retinol or acids, Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in Georgetown, TX, warns that they can linger, increasing sun sensitivity if not washed off in the morning. Similarly, for those invested in skincare trends like slugging or using rich creams and oils, Dr. Collins stresses the importance of cleansing for both skin health and seamless makeup application.

While experts generally recommend washing your face both morning and night, the perfect routine might vary based on your skin type and lifestyle. For personalized advice, check in annually with your dermatologist—but for now, consider the below insights as your cheat sheet.

How often you should wash your face by skin type

Sensitive or dry skin

"The act of cleansing the skin can further dry the skin out if someone has dry skin," says Dr. Stephens. For people with dry or sensitive skin, she recommends sticking to one cleanse at night, which should be sufficient to wash away the dirt, grime, and debris from the day. Dr. Collins and Dr. Ruth agree, adding that a “splash of water,” in the morning might be enough if you still want to refresh your skin without potentially stripping it.

Oily or combination skin

For people with combination or oily skin, Dr. Stephens emphasizes the importance of washing twice daily (morning and night) to ensure that you remove all the excess buildup and prevent breakouts. (Psst, Dr. Collins suggests a double cleanse at night for a deep clean that keeps your pores clear and content.)

Acne-prone

Oily skin and acne often go hand-in-hand, so it's no surprise that if your skin is prone to breakouts, Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, suggests washing your face once in the morning and once in the evening. According to the pro, this routine helps to "remove buildup and excess oil.”

That said, regardless of your skin type, if you're squeezing in a morning workout, it's a great idea to wash your face right after to remove excessive sweat, bacteria, and dirt, says Dr. Stephens.

How to recognize over- or under-washing

Even if you think you're doing your due diligence by cleansing your face morning and night, it is still possible to over or under-wash your face. For instance, if you wash your face and then use a face towel to dry off only to find some makeup residue has stained your towel, that's a clear sign you may have under washed your face.

If that happens, try double cleansing. We touched on this earlier, but to dive deeper, "Double cleansing is when an oil-based cleanser is used before a water-based cleanser," says Dr. Stephens. "This helps to remove makeup completely." If you're washing your face too often, on the other hand, your skin will likely feel excessively tight, squeaky clean, or have dry patches, says Dr. Stephens. In this case, dial it back to the general recommendation of cleansing your skin twice daily, max.

How to properly wash your face

In case you need a face washing 101 refresher, here are the steps Dr. Stephens and Dr. Ruth recommend following for best results.

1. Wash your hands. (The first step is also the most important.)
2. Wet your face with lukewarm water to prepare your skin for face cleanser. (And don’t pat it dry yet!)
3. Next, using lukewarm water, gently apply a skin cleanser formulated for your skin type. Gently massage it into your skin in circular motions for about 45 seconds.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water again to remove the cleanser from your skin.
5. Carefully pat your face dry with a clean towel. It's important to dry your face with a clean towel that you specifically use for your face—or allow your skin to air dry if you don't have one—to avoid reintroducing bacteria.

The best types of face cleansers

The best type of face cleanser for you depends on your skin type. "The right cleanser can also help to improve your skin barrier or treat acne," says Dr. Stephens. "Choosing the wrong cleanser for your skin type can strip your skin barrier of natural oils, over dry your skin, or cause irritation and possible sensitivity." In other words, the face cleanser you use is just as important as how often you should wash your face.

For oily and combination skin: foaming or gel cleansers

For people with oily or combination skin, Dr. Stephens recommends a foaming or gel cleanser to help remove excessive oils that build up on the skin throughout the day. We love CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($18) which uses niacinamide to regulate your skin’s oil production to normal levels, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

For dry or sensitive skin: hydrating or milky cleanser

Got dry or sensitive skin? Dr. Stephens points you to a hydrating or milky cleanser with soothing ingredients such as ceramides or niacinamide. According to Dr. Ruth, a wallet-friendly option that won't compromise your skin's natural moisture is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser ($12).

For acne-prone skin: cleansers with active ingredients

Acne-prone skin will benefit most from cleansers with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. "I frequently recommend The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($13)," says Dr. Stephens. "It's affordable and gentle yet very effective."\

Final takeaway

While you can certainly have too much or too little of a good thing, keep your face-washing routine simple. Consider your skin type: are you dry, oily, or acne-prone? Based on that, washing your face up to two times daily should be enough to clean it without stripping it of necessary moisture. Of course, if you need clarification on the steps required to build a solid skin-care routine, you can always get in touch with a dermatologist to craft steps that work for you. However, once or twice a day, a cleanser with ingredients for your skin type should do the trick.