Guide
How often should I wash my face?
General AAD guidance is to limit washing to twice daily and after sweating. A specific cleanser’s directions and your circumstances still matter.
The general guidance
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing your face no more than twice a day, and after sweating. Your cleanser's own directions and your circumstances still matter, but this is a sensible default for most people.
Morning and evening anchors
Link one wash to getting ready and one to winding down, plus an extra rinse after the gym or a hot day. Washing again every time you notice shine tends to leave skin uncomfortable without making it less shiny for long.
If you feel you need more
When your face feels oily or tight between washes, look at the products and the way you wash before adding more washes. A gentler cleanser or lukewarm water often helps more than frequency.
Try this
- Use your existing morning and evening moments as anchors.
- Read directions for the cleanser you own.
- Consider a wash after sweating without turning it into repeated scrubbing.
A common mistake
Repeated washing throughout the day can make a simple routine more irritating and harder to sustain.