If you're anything like us, we'd wager your face-washing process is as simple as brushing your teeth or applying deodorant and, frankly, mindless. It's something you do every day, but maybe without much thought - are we right or right?

Look, there's nothing to be ashamed of at all. But washing your face—more specifically how to wash your face with best beauty products—is actually an integral part of your skincare routine. It does require a bit more focus, especially since it has to do with when and how you do it. Cleansing literally sets the stage for all the steps that follow, and generally sets the stage for your skincare success.

In the future, board-certified dermatologists Geeta Yadav, MD, and Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, will have their say on how and how often you should wash your face.
How often should you wash your face?

Let's start by answering this million-dollar question: Should I wash my face twice a day? That's a resounding yes, according to two dermatologists we interviewed. "Ideally, you wash your face twice a day. In the morning, this removes any excess oil your skin produces and residue from your nighttime skincare routine," says Yadav. "At night, you'll wash off all the makeup, dirt, and oil that's built up on your skin during the day, leaving your skin clean and ready for your evening skincare routine." One exception to this golden rule: If you're in the middle of the day Exercise and need to remove sweat, makeup or sunscreen, you can add a third, Robinson says.

Here's the thing: all of the above apply regardless of your skin type. Both of our experts agree that almost everyone can and should wash their face twice a day. This is the cleaning agent that needs to be replaced. "Frequency really doesn't make a difference. It's more about what you use to cleanse your skin and what you apply after that is skin-specific," says Robinson. So far, here are some more details for the three different skin types:

Oily/Comedogenic

These skin types work best with foam or gel cleansers, which are the most effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin's surface and within pores, Yadav explains. For these skin types, these types of formulas are generally well tolerated and used twice a day. However, if the cleanser contains active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, you may only want to use the formula once a day and choose something gentler for the second wash, she adds.

dry/sensitive

The same rules apply whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or both (often both). A mild, creamy, soap-free cleanser is perfect for morning and afternoon washes. That being said, you can also use micellar water instead of traditional cleansers in the morning, Yadav recommends. "Micellar water will still cleanse the skin and remove dirt and oil, but it will be very gentle," she explains.

combination

It may take some trial and error to arrive at the ideal cleaning routine, Yadav said. "I often recommend that people with combination skin use both gel and cream cleansers in their rotation, as they may find their skin changes with the seasons or even daily," she explains. Consider using a cream cleanser in the morning and a gel cleanser in the evening (when there's more stickiness to remove) to see how your skin looks.

Risk of overwashing

"Excessive washing of your face strips its natural oils, damages the skin barrier, and dehydrates the skin," warns Robinson. If you have oily skin or are struggling with acne, over-washing can actually trigger more sebum production, based on a supply and demand model, she adds. She explains that when you strip your skin of its natural oils, this causes the body to produce more to compensate, setting off a vicious cycle. Signs that you're washing too much (or using the wrong product)? "Skin that feels 'squeaky' clean or tight," says Yadav.

Risk of insufficient washing

"On the other hand, not washing enough can lead to clogged pores, dull complexion, and acne," says Robinson. Not to mention that skin that isn't properly cleansed won't be able to absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products, she points out, and will just end up on the skin's surface where you won't benefit from it.

final harvest

Washing your face doesn't have to be complicated, but it is a very important step in your skincare routine and needs to be performed correctly. Wash your face morning and night (and post-workout) and be sure to use a cleanser tailored to the specific needs of your skin and complexion concerns.