Washing your face is an important part of any skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. But how long should you actually spend washing your face? Is there such a thing as washing your face too long?
How long do dermatologists recommend washing your face?
Most dermatologists recommend washing your face for 30-60 seconds. This gives enough time to thoroughly cleanse your skin without over-doing it. Here’s a quick breakdown of how long you should wash each area of your face:
- Forehead: 5-10 seconds
- Nose: 5-10 seconds
- Chin: 5-10 seconds
- Each cheek: 5-10 seconds
So washing each area for 5-10 seconds will add up to 30-60 seconds total. You definitely don’t need to wash longer than a minute to get your face clean.
What happens if you wash your face too long?
Washing your face for too long can actually do more harm than good. Here are some of the potential effects of over-washing:
- Skin dryness and irritation – Excessive washing, especially with harsh cleansers, can strip your skin of its natural oils and protective lipids. This leads to dry, tight, and irritated skin.
- Increased acne – Washing too vigorously or long can disrupt your skin’s moisture barrier. This increases inflammation and leaves skin vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria.
- Premature aging – Overwashing causes more collagen and elastin breakdown over time. This speeds up the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Facial redness – Rubbing and scrubbing skin too hard leads to irritation, inflammation, and redness.
How to tell if you’re washing your face too long
Here are some signs that indicate you may be over-washing your face:
- Skin feels tight, dry, or squeaky clean after washing
- Face looks red or irritated after cleansing
- Acne seems to be getting worse, not better
- You’ve noticed increased fine lines, wrinkles, or skin dullness
- You wash your face for longer than 60 seconds total
If you notice any of these issues, try shortening your face washing time. Stick to 30-60 seconds total and see if your skin improves.
Tips for washing your face more efficiently
Here are some tips to help you wash your face effectively without going overboard on time:
- Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser suited for your skin type
- Wet your face with lukewarm water before cleansing
- Use your fingertips, not a scrubbing brush or loofah
- Gently massage cleanser into skin using circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Pat skin dry with a soft towel, don’t vigorously rub
- Moisturize immediately after washing
- Set a timer if needed to keep washing time under 60 seconds
Cleansing time guidelines based on skin type
Those with different skin types may require slightly different face washing times. Here are general guidelines:
| Skin Type | Cleansing Time |
|---|---|
| Normal or combination skin | 30-45 seconds |
| Dry skin | 30 seconds or less |
| Oily skin | 45-60 seconds |
| Sensitive skin | 20-30 seconds |
Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from shorter wash times. People with oily skin can spend a bit more time washing to remove excess oil.
Cleansing time based on cleanser type
The type of cleanser you use should also impact how long you wash your face:
| Cleanser Type | Cleansing Time |
|---|---|
| Gel, foaming, or cream cleanser | 30-45 seconds |
| Micellar water | 45-60 seconds |
| Cleansing oil or balm | 60-90 seconds |
| Exfoliating cleanser | 30-45 seconds |
Gel, foaming, and cream cleansers can typically be rinsed faster. Oil or balm cleansers often require more massaging to properly dissolve makeup and sunscreen.
How washing time changes based on age
As you age, your skin produces less oil and has lower cell turnover. This generally allows for shorter cleansing times as you get older. Here are suggested wash times by age group:
| Age Group | Cleansing Time |
|---|---|
| Teens | 45-60 seconds |
| 20s | 30-45 seconds |
| 30s | 30 seconds |
| 40s+ | 20-30 seconds |
Teens may need to wash longer to combat oily, acne-prone skin. As skin becomes drier with age, cleansing times can decrease.
Other factors that impact optimal washing time
Aside from skin type and age, other factors that can influence ideal face washing duration include:
- Time of day – Wash for less time in the morning since there is less dirt, oil, and pollutants accumulated overnight.
- Makeup – Longer wash times may be needed at night to fully remove makeup.
- Climate and season – Wash for less time in drier winter months when moisture is lacking.
- Skin condition – Those with active breakouts or eczema may need shorter wash times of 20-30 seconds.
The bottom line
Washing your face for too long can do more harm than good. Aim for 30-60 seconds total to adequately cleanse without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier. Adjust based on your skin type, cleanser choice, age, and other factors. If your face feels tight, irritated, or dry after cleansing, try reducing your washing time.
Be attentive to your skin’s needs and signals. Find the shortest washing time that leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and not stripped. Your skin will thank you!