The morning wash removes dirt and bacteria that settle on your face overnight. The evening wash removes the day's grime, including dirt, smoke and pollution. Your skin type matters more than whether the bottle says "for men".34
Adjust the routine to your skin
| Skin or situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Oily skin or acne | Use a cleanser morning and night, and wash after heavy sweating. |
| Dry or sensitive skin | Try water alone in the morning and a cleanser at night. |
| Combination skin | Wash twice daily. If dryness or irritation develops, switch to a gentler cleanser or a thicker moisturizer. |
| Only managing one daily wash | Make it the evening wash, after the day's activities. |
Wash as soon as possible after heavy sweating, especially if you wore a hat or helmet: sweat can irritate skin. A face wash in the shower counts, because the sink does not need credit for the work. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can strip away skin oils.124
How to wash your face
- 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- 2Apply a gentle cleanser without alcohol or abrasive particles. Use your fingertips and gentle circular movements, not a washcloth or mesh sponge.
- 3Rinse the cleanser off completely with lukewarm water.
- 4Pat dry with a clean, soft towel rather than rubbing.
- 5Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
A cream cleanser suits dry or sensitive skin; a foaming cleanser suits oily or combination skin. Many traditional soaps remove too much of the skin's natural oil. If you shave, cleanse first, then finish shaving with a gentle moisturizer.4
Does washing more often help?
Extra washing removes natural oils as well as grime and can leave skin drier. There is no standard number of seconds you must spend cleansing. If you do not wear makeup, double cleansing is unnecessary and can be more drying. Two cleansers can make a routine more complicated without making it more necessary, despite the impressive attendance.2
Stop scrubbing if you are trying to deal with oil or breakouts: scrubbing irritates skin and can worsen acne. If cleansing leaves your skin dry or irritated, change to a gentler cleanser and use moisturizer. See a dermatologist if skin concerns persist despite your routine.234
How often should men exfoliate their face?
There is no single exfoliation schedule for all men. If you regularly get ingrown hairs, a gentle exfoliant a couple of times a week can remove dead skin cells. That is a separate step from daily cleansing, not a reason to scrub during every wash. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly when skin is already irritated.14
Where this answer comes from
- 1Face washing 101aad.org
- 2How Often Should You Wash Your Face?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 310 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skinaad.org
- 4Skin Care for Men: Routines, Products and Tipshealth.clevelandclinic.org
