Acne

Acne is not caused by not washing your face. Other variables, such as bacteria or altering hormones, contribute to the development of this skin disorder. Cleansing on a regular basis is an important part of any acne treatment plan. 

However, there is such a thing as "too clean" skin. The optimum number for how many times a day you should wash your face is two, according to most experts. 

This article explains why, as well as some tips for keeping your skin clean and protected. It also goes over some alternative acne-control tactics you can use. 

Tips for keeping your skin clean

Washing twice a day 

Washing your face twice a day, in the morning and at night, will be sufficient to remove makeup, grime, and excess oil from your skin, all of which can contribute to breakouts. 

It's also important what you use to clean your face. Because the skin on your face is so fragile, you should avoid using strong soaps. If you have acne, antibacterial hand soap and bar soaps are not recommended. Rubbing alcohol should never be used on your face. 

Stronger may not always imply superiority. Choose a cleanser that leaves your skin clean but not excessively dry or peeled.

A Dirty Face Doesn't Cause Acne 

It's vital to understand that if you're prone to breakouts, it doesn't mean you're not taking adequate care of your skin. 

Acne sufferers have skin cells that do not shed normally. They are more sensitive to the irritation caused by the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. 

Hormones also play a part in whether or not you get acne. 

Washing too frequently can aggravate acne 

Washing your face too frequently (or not at all) might be just as terrible (or even worse) than not washing it at all. It's also not a good idea to scrub too vigorously. 

You can quickly strip away all of the vital oils your skin need, leaving you with dry, red, flaky, and irritated skin. 

The acid mantle can also be broken down. This is a protective layer of sweat, oil, and beneficial bacteria that forms on the surface of the skin. A strong, healthy acid mantle is required for strong, healthy skin. 

Is there an exception? If you are very sweaty or unclean during the day, a third cleansing is recommended. 

For Acne, Just Cleaning Isn't Enough 

Taking care of your skin entails eliminating debris, excess oil, and makeup. It can aid in the prevention of clogged pores. Even yet, simply washing your face with water and a mild soap or face wash isn't enough to get rid of acne. 

Consider your twice-daily washing routine as the initial step in treating acne. The second step should be to utilize an acne treatment product on a regular basis. 

You could start with over-the-counter acne products if your breakouts are minor. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide-containing products are the most effective. For a few weeks, try using them on a regular basis to see if it helps to clear things out. 

Facial scrubs may be found on the same retail shelves as these treatments. Scrubs that are too harsh will not clear your skin faster, but they will irritate it and make your breakouts worse. 

Acne that is more severe or inflammatory rarely improves with a store-bought acne treatment. Instead, you'll need a prescription from your doctor for acne treatment. 

Keep in mind that all acne treatments, whether over-the-counter or prescription, perform best when applied to clean, completely dry skin. 

Take Away 

The first thing to remember about acne is that how often you wash your face (or don't) isn't the source of it. However, cleaning too frequently and with the wrong cleansers can aggravate the situation. 

Unless you are particularly hot or dirty, twice a day is plenty for most individuals. Select a product that will not bother your skin. When washing, don't scrub too hard. This can deplete vital oils, dry up your skin, and aggravate the problem. 

Cleansing should be part of a comprehensive acne treatment plan that includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications.