If you’ve ever wondered about the mysterious world of face washing, you’re not alone. The battle between those who swear by a strict cleansing routine and those who proudly claim they never wash their face continues. We consulted the experts, including board-certified dermatologists Mona Gohara, MD, and Angela Casey, MD, to get the lowdown on the dos and don’ts of face washing.

First things first, let’s debunk the myth that only those with oily skin need to cleanse. According to Dr. Gohara, ‘Everybody should wash their face. It’s just to liberate the natural exfoliating and regenerate process.’ So, whether you have dry or acne-prone skin, washing is essential to remove impurities and prep your skin for other products.

But how often should you really wash your face? Dr. Casey breaks it down, recommending twice a day for some, while others may benefit from once a day. It largely depends on your skin type. Oily and acne-prone? Go for the morning and night routine. Dry skin? You might want to stick to it once a day to avoid irritation. And for those with mature skin, especially during perimenopause and menopause, washing once a day could be the sweet spot to preserve essential oils.

If you’re hitting the gym or breaking a sweat, post-workout face washing is advised. Dr. Gohara explains, ‘Typically, you want to get that sweat and also any of the germs that you’ve come across in the gym off of your face.’ However, those with dry skin who don’t sweat much during workouts can skip the extra wash.

Now, the million-dollar question: What products should you use? Always opt for a cleanser, not just water. Dr. Casey emphasises, ‘Water has no surfactant, which is the primary component of a cleanser to break down the fats and the oils and the grease on your skin.’ Cleansers dissolve dirt, oil, and impurities, ensuring a thorough cleanse.

But how long should you spend washing your face? A full minute is the magic number, as advised by Dr. Casey. This allows you to massage the skin, working your way to the hairline, and effectively remove dirt and oil. Following the 20-second rule for each face area is a good guide.

And can you wash your face too often? Dr. Gohara warns that overdoing it can lead to dryness and increased vulnerability to irritation, while too little can clog pores and invite acne. One to two times a day is the sweet spot, tailored to your skin type and lifestyle.

When it comes to technique, use your fingers and avoid tools like loofahs or washcloths, advises Dr. Casey. Opt for lukewarm water, as it interacts best with the skin and opens pores. Apply a few pumps of your chosen cleanser and use a light circular motion, starting centrally and moving outwards.

In the world of face washing, these dermatologist-approved tips will help you achieve that clean, refreshed glow – whether you’re a skincare guru or just diving into the world of cleansing.