Is There Such a Thing as Washing Your Face Too Often?

Yes! Skin actually needs and wants some oil and the more often you wash your face, the more you are removing natural oils from its surface. When this happens, the sebaceous gland (where oil is produced) goes into overdrive - it thinks the surface of the skin needs more oil, and this gland takes its job seriously. So, the result is actually more oil production, leading to a greasier complexion, and ultimately more clogged pores and acne. Overwashing your face also breaks down the skin barrier, irritating the skin and causing breakouts. 

So, how often should we wash our face? There is no simple answer because it depends on the person and their specific type of skin! It is important to remove makeup and wash your face after sweating, to ensure that dirt or debris are not clogging your pores. That’s also why it is a great idea to wash your face at the end of the day, especially if you are active throughout the day or live in a city where just stepping outside means your skin is in contact with polluted air. If you have dry or sensitive skin, washing once per day at night might be your best routine, and if you have oily, acne-prone skin twice a day is all you need. Washing your skin constantly throughout the day will not make the acne go away, it will likely make it worse. If you feel like your face is irritated or constantly greasy, talk to a dermatologist or physician about the right skincare routine for you, but at the end of the day more products and more washing is likely stressing your skin out!