- A thoughtful cleansing routine is the cornerstone of healthy, glowing skin.
- Skin type plays a major role in how often you should cleanse.
- It's important to make sure you're not over- or under-cleansing.
When it comes to skin care, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "How often should you wash your face?" The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on your skin type. A thoughtful cleansing routine is the cornerstone of healthy, glowing skin, but finding the right balance is key.
“Tailoring your cleansing habits to your specific skin type is essential for maintaining a strong skin barrier and a radiant glow,” says Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. To help you find your perfect routine, we reached out to two top dermatologists to break down exactly how often you should be washing your face and how to do it right.
Meet the expert
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Sheila Farhang, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and double-fellowship trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon in Tucson, AZ, and Beverly Hills, CA.
How Skin Type Impacts Cleansing Frequency
How often should you wash your face? The answer depends more on your skin type than you might think. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
“Skin type plays a major role in how often you should cleanse,” she explains. “For oily or acne-prone skin, I typically recommend washing twice a day—morning and night—to help control excess oil and keep pores clear.” If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, less is definitely more. Dr. Chang says over-washing can do more harm than good. “Washing too frequently or using harsh products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to even more dryness and irritation,” she notes.
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In fact, for sensitive skin types, a once-a-day cleanse (plus a gentle rinse when needed) may be all you need. And if you’re dealing with combination skin, both dermatologists recommend sticking to twice-daily cleansing with a gentle, well-balanced formula that sweeps away oil without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
Skin Type Considerations
Skin type doesn’t just guide how often you wash your face, but what you cleanse with. “A customized cleansing routine based on skin type is key to maintaining healthy skin, while effectively removing dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants,” says Dr. Chang. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or gel cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can work wonders. “These ingredients help unclog pores and reduce breakouts,” explains Dr. Farhang. Just remember: More isn’t always better. Stick to washing your face twice a day, and don’t overdo it with harsh scrubs.
For dry or sensitive skin, Dr. Chang says it’s all about being gentle and avoiding anything heavily fragranced. “The goal is to cleanse without stripping essential moisture from the skin, but rather adding key nutrients back into the skin. I recommend using mild, gentle cleansers that are formulated with effective ingredients like glycerin and antioxidant-rich green tea extract to help reduce inflammation and calm the skin." If you have combination skin, where your skin is a mix of oily and dry, try using a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying.
Signs of Over-Washing and Under-Washing
“Over-washing can compromise the skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and inflammation,” explains Dr. Farhang. To help your skin recover, she recommends dialing back the frequency of cleansing, switching to a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, and focusing on barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. “Avoid exfoliants or harsh actives until your skin feels calm again,” she advises.
On the flip side, not cleansing enough can be equally problematic. A buildup of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells can clog pores, trigger breakouts, create rough texture, and reduce the effectiveness of your skin-care products. “If you cleanse at night but still see makeup or dirt on your towel, it might be a sign you’re not cleansing thoroughly enough,” says Dr. Chang. “If you tend to wear thick makeup and sunscreen during the day, you may benefit from double-cleansing, but make sure the second step is a gentle, hydrating cleanser.”
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Morning vs. Night
If you have oily or combination skin, our experts recommend cleansing twice a day. First, you'll want to do so in the morning to sweep away overnight buildup like oil, sweat, dead skin, and even residue that may have transferred from your pillowcase. Then, “It's most important to cleanse the face at night in order to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily pollutants,” says Dr. Farhang. “Use a good cleanser like Biojuve Conditioning Cleanse. It’s formulated with skin probiotic technology to help rebalance the skin microbiome whilst cleansing.”
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can still cleanse twice daily, but it’s important to use the right formula. Dr. Chang recommends something gentle, hydrating, and hypoallergenic/
When it comes to how long you should actually spend washing your face, less is more. “Aim for 30 to 60 seconds of gentle cleansing,” says Dr. Chang. “That’s just the right amount of time to emulsify oils, lift away dirt, and allow your cleanser’s ingredients to do their job without over-scrubbing or stressing your skin.” If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, she recommends double-cleansing to ensure every last trace is washed away and your skin is prepped for the rest of your routine.
