The Optimal Time of Day for Face Washing, According to Our Dermatologist

Washing your face twice a day is perfectly acceptable, and, in fact, Dr. Hannah Kopelman prefers it to only cleansing in the evening. However, she advises using a gentle cleanser that won’t overly strip your skin of its moisture and oils. “In the morning, a quick cleanse can help remove overnight oils and prep your skin for any treatments or SPF. At night, it’s about cleansing deeply and giving your skin a clean canvas for active ingredients like retinoids or serums,” she exclusively tells Glam. “That said, for people with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, once a day at night might be plenty — over-cleansing can disrupt your barrier.”

During your cleansing process, use a soft touch, and don’t go overboard with exfoliating. “I can’t tell you how many patients overdo it with scrubs or harsh cleansers, thinking more is better,” the dermatologist says. Additionally, cleansing with warm water instead of hot is key to protecting your skin, especially if you wash your face in the shower. Kopelman’s final advice is to wait no longer than a minute to apply your skincare products, as you want to preserve all of that moisture to keep your face looking as fresh as can be.