HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU ACTUALLY WASH YOUR FACE?


WASHING YOUR FACE CAN SEEM LIKE A REAL HARDSHIP. WHO HAS TIME IN THIS MODERN AGE? BUT FAILING TO WASH IT REGULARLY — EVEN IF JUST A QUICK SPLASH OF WATER — CAN CAUSE A WHOLE HOST OF SKIN PROBLEMS. HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING IT AND WHAT YOU SHOULD BE USING.

IN GENERAL, HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FACE

Every person should wash their face both morning and night. Sweaty occasions may call for a third wash. But, in the real world, this doesn’t always happen. If you can only commit to a wash once daily, do it before you go to bed. This will help remove grime and oil that’s built up over the course of the day, along with things like makeup. 


IF YOU HAVE DRY OR SENSITIVE SKIN

Washing the face twice a day may prove to be irritating for sensitive or dry skin types. If you tick that box, cleanse properly at night using a gentle formula and simply rinse with warm water in the morning. Hydrating cleansers are a good options for people with dry skin. These products typically don’t lather and help moisturize while they cleanse the skin. Oil-based cleansers or ones with thicker consistencies should also be considered.

IF YOU HAVE OILY OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

The urge to over cleanse is common in those with oily or acne-prone skin.  There’s no need to wash the face more than twice a day. In fact, doing so may dry out your skin. When this happens skin does whatever it needs to do to regain moisture. This includes making its sebum production work in overdrive, causing more oil and more acne than there was originally. If you fall into this category, opt for a cleanser containing hydroxy acids to remove excess oil. Medicated cleansers are also worth your attention.


IF YOU HAVE COMBINATION SKIN

Combo skin types are seen as the lucky ones. In this case, you can take your pick of the cleansers on offer. It’s still advisable to wash twice a day and use a gentle formula that removes impurities, deep cleans pores, helps remove makeup, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean, and hydrated. Also, don’t overlook foaming cleansers. These can remove oil and aren’t too harsh on dry patches.

IF YOU WEAR MAKE-UP

Makeup can clog pores if not properly removed, causing breakouts.  Makeup wearers should wash their face in the morning followed by a more thorough cleanse at night. Either remove makeup before using a cleanser or double cleanse to ensure all traces are gone. Use an oil-based cleanser for a clean, nonirritating feel.


IF YOU EXERCISE

Any activity that involves sweating requires an extra wash to remove said sweat and dirt. If you’re out and about and don’t have a cleanser to hand, try oil-free wipes. They’re great for cleansing the skin and removing sweat and dirt until you can shower and wash again.


WHAT SHOULD YOU USE TO CLEANSE

Everyone should use a cleanser that helps to exfoliate and remove  impurities, but won’t strip the skin of natural oils. That especially applies to people with particular conditions like acne or dryness. What you use is up to you. There are creams, lotions, gels, wipes, balms, and more. Avoid products containing potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance or alcohol.


IS THIS ALL YOU NEED?

Cleansing is usually part of a skin care routine. A standard morning regimen begins with washing your face, followed by moisturizer to hydrate and sunscreen to protect. Before bed, cleanse the skin again and exfoliate once or twice a week to remove lingering grime and dead skin. Then you can apply a thicker night cream. Of course, you’re free to add any number of serums and treatments, but always start with a cleanse. 

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF YOU OVER- OR UNDERWASH?

A sign that you’re not properly washing is residue being left on your bedding. Alternatively, wipe your face with a damp, light-colored flannel. If dirty marks appear, better washing is in order. If you don’t cleanse your face properly, it can result in pore clogging, which can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and fiercer acne breakouts. It’s also likely to limit the effectiveness of any skin care products you use. Saying that, it is possible to wash too much. Irritation, tightness, or dryness is a classic sign of overcleansing. Oiliness can also result as the skin tries to compensate for the drying. Again, this can cause pore clogging and may lead to sensitivity that calls for an extra gentle routine. 

TRY TO WASH YOUR FACE TWICE A DAY — BUT DON’T FORGET TO LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN. IF IT’S RED, OVERLY DRY, OR SHOWS ANY OTHER SIGNS OF IRRITATION, SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT. IN THOSE CASES, YOUR BEST BET IS TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DERMATOLOGIST. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE PROFESSIONAL, PERSONALIZED ADVICE.

CHARCOAL FACE WASH

DETOXIFYING GEL WASH DELIVERING A DEEP-PORE CLEAN


HOW IS IT DIFFERENT

Active charcoal will give a deep pore clean eliminating all excess oil and dirt. The special ingredients also avoid any facial hair from growing in and making it soft and health even prepping it for the occasional shave.


WHAT DOES IT DO

A detoxifying gel wash delivering a deep pore clean. Natural charcoal extract draws out the dirt and excess oils that can clog pores. Soothing, non-drying lather gently washes away trapped dirt and impurities to leave all skin types feeling fresh and healthy. The Charcoal Face Wash really softens the skin and facial hair, enabling a easier shave.


SHOP CHARCOAL FACE WASH


Taking care of your skin is so much more than just a face cream you put on your face. We love to share our knowledge with you. The Read is our way of showing you we care about your skin, body and mind.