How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

By now, you’re likely familiar with the task of cleansing your skin. Removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oils from your face is essential, after all. However, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How often should you wash your skin?”, you’re not alone. Do you need to do it every day? Multiple times a day? You’re right to question it because getting the frequency of your face washing right is key. If you want your skin to look its best, staying consistent with a facial cleanser is the only way to achieve your skin care goals.

In the spirit of keeping you ahead of the game, we’re sharing why you should wash your face in the a.m. and p.m.—and how to make the most of your face cleansing routine. Plus, we won’t leave you without sharing our best face wash options for every skin type. Let’s dive in!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FACE?

Let’s get the big question out of the way. You should be washing your face twice a day, every day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you should wash your face morning and night, as well as after sweating heavily (i.e., post-workout).

WHY SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FACE TWICE A DAY?

Is washing twice a day more than you’re used to? Here’s why it’s necessary: Throughout the day and night, excess oils, dirt, and impurities can build up on the surface of your skin—and if you don’t wash these off, they can clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts.

So, keep your bathroom counter stocked with a facial cleanser formulated for your skin type (more on that soon!) and use it morning and night to wash your face. Just remember to apply a moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing to help lock in hydration.

WHAT’S THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Everyone’s skin is different—but regardless of whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or something in between, you can benefit from using a facial cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Find the best face wash for your skin type below.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR DRY SKIN

Have dry skin? Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. Micellar water is a no-rinse cleansing option powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, makeup, and impurities up and away from the skin. The cleansing option won’t leave dry skin feeling tight as it hydrates and purifies as it the same time.

How to use it: Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water, then wipe it across your face. For eye makeup removal, hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then wipe.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR OILY SKIN

If you have oily skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, which is formulated with three pure clays and charcoal. It goes beyond daily cleansing to deep clean and remove excess oil from the surface of the skin for a complexion that feels refreshed. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution and has a fresh and revitalized glow.

How to use it: Squeeze the facial cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage onto face using circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Those with combination skin should try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate and Refine Cleanser, which is enhanced with red algae and goes beyond daily cleansing to help exfoliate the surface of your skin. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution and is left with a clean, clear look.

How to use it: Squeeze the face wash into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage onto face using circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR DULL SKIN

If you have dull skin, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser, which is formulated with gentle micro-pearls and glycolic acid. Skin is purified of dead skin cells and impurities, while texture, tone, and clarity of skin are improved for a radiant finish. 

How to use it: Morning and night, lather into wet hands and gently massage onto face using circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This product contains alpha hydroxy acids, which can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the a.m.  

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR MATURE SKIN

For aging skin, grab the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser, which helps to cleanse without over-drying. As your skin matures, it loses moisture, nutrients, and natural oils. This daily cream cleanser helps to replenish oils and gently yet effectively remove traces of makeup.

How to use it: Lather the facial cleanser into wet hands, then gently massage it onto your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR MEN

Looking for a cleansing option geared toward men? Try the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal, which captures and gets rid of dirt, impurities, pollution, and excess oils on the surface of your skin.

How to use it: Apply the face wash to wet skin, gently massaging it onto your face. Focus on your forehead, nose, and chin, which may be oilier than the rest of your face.

OUR BEST FACE WASH FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

You can also opt for a cleanser that works for all skin types, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser. This foaming cleanser lifts dirt and impurities without drying out your skin. The deeply purifying formula won’t leave you with tightness or residue.

How to use it: Wet your face and hands with lukewarm water and work a small amount of face cleanser into a foamy lather. Massage it onto your face in a gentle, circular motion, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Next up: Now that you have a better understanding of using a facial cleanser, how about expanding your knowledge with other skin care products? Turn your attention to our article, When Should You Moisturize? The 8 Best Times to Apply Face Moisturizer.