This Is The Best Time Of Day To Wash Your Face, According To Our Dermatologist

Proper face washing every day is a must if you want to keep your skin smooth and blemish-free, but when does cleansing have the maximum effect? Well, according to dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman, your evening skincare ritual is one you should never skip. "In my professional opinion, nighttime is non-negotiable," she exclusively tells Glam. "You want to remove all the dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and pollution that's built up on your skin throughout the day," the expert continues, adding, "If you skip that wash, you're basically going to sleep with all that grime sitting on your face, which can clog pores, trigger breakouts, and even accelerate skin aging over time." That's definitely not what we want!

If you have oily skin or use a face oil as part of your nighttime skincare routine, washing your face in the morning can get rid of residue. "But if I had to pick just one time, it's definitely before bed," Dr. Kopelman concludes. Of course, you have to take your skin type into consideration, but if it can handle twice-a-day cleansing, there's a proper way to do it without causing unnecessary damage.

Washing your face twice a day is perfectly acceptable, and, in fact, Dr. Hannah Kopelman prefers it to only cleansing in the evening. However, she advises using a gentle cleanser that won't overly strip your skin of its moisture and oils. "In the morning, a quick cleanse can help remove overnight oils and prep your skin for any treatments or SPF. At night, it's about cleansing deeply and giving your skin a clean canvas for active ingredients like retinoids or serums," she exclusively tells Glam. "That said, for people with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, once a day at night might be plenty — over-cleansing can disrupt your barrier."

During your cleansing process, use a soft touch, and don't go overboard with exfoliating. "I can't tell you how many patients overdo it with scrubs or harsh cleansers, thinking more is better," the dermatologist says. Additionally, cleansing with warm water instead of hot is key to protecting your skin, especially if you wash your face in the shower. Kopelman's final advice is to wait no longer than a minute to apply your skincare products, as you want to preserve all of that moisture to keep your face looking as fresh as can be.