Cropped shot of a beautiful young woman washing her face against a grey background
BEAUTY
The Risks Of Not Washing Your Face Enough
By ALEXANDRIA TAYLOR
Underwashing
Washing your face at least once a day is recommended, so if you skip one, it would be considered underwashing. Going multiple days without washing your face raises the chance of blocked pores, which can lead to acne.
Overwashing
There is such a thing as overwashing, which can lead to dryness and a feeling of tightness in the face. This can cause irritation and potential damage to the skin barrier, and strip your face of the natural oils that help keep it hydrated and moisturized.
Skin Type
The twice-a-day recommendation is standard, but you need to factor in your skin type. Over washing if you have oily or acne-prone skin can trigger your skin to produce more oil, whereas people with dry or sensitive skin can cause irritation and flaky skin if they wash twice a day.
Best Cleanser
While the frequency is important, the right cleanser for your skin is important. Foaming cleansers are best for oily skin, and hydrating ones are best for dry skin, but normal skin types have the most options; just make sure the cleanser isn’t too stripping or not underwhelming.