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Benefits of Washing Your Face: Why Washing Your Face is Important

Benefits of Washing Your Face: Why Washing Your Face is Important

Benefits of washing your face

What are the benefits of washing your face? Have you ever thought of why washing your face is important? Washing your face is a fairly basic component of personal hygiene for most people, but is it possible to do it too frequently?

The act of washing your face is simply described as the application of water, and at times, other cleansing materials to one’s face, for removal of dirt and other unwanted substances.

Why washing your face is important

Washing your face is important because your skin in the face is regularly exposed to external threats in the form of substances like dirt and bacteria. Daily and regular facial cleansing helps you remove the following:

  • Excess oil
  • Dirt
  • Pollution
  • Dead skin cells

As in all skincare routines, the first step is cleansing. The reason for this is if dirt and pollution have accumulated in your face due to the lack of proper cleansing, the risk of breakouts, and signs of aging and dehydration increase.

Here are some benefits of washing your face and why washing your face is important:

Maintenance of clear skin 

Your skin naturally produces sebum from your sebaceous glands to help maintain and protect your skin from environmental factors. Sebum is part of what makes up the oil on your face.

While sebum is generally beneficial to your skin, there is also a risk of having too much of it due to the lack of cleansing. There may also be an increased production of sebum caused by hormone changes. This accumulation may lead to clogged pores and blockages in hair follicles. Trapped sebum exposes your skin to the risk of bacterial penetration. These result in acne, inflammation, and a change in complexion.

Anti-aging 

Washing your face helps remove unwanted particles, and other substances that affect your facial skin and speed up the aging process. Proper washing of your face helps mitigate the processes that stimulate aging, wrinkling, pigmentation, and dullness of the skin.

Promote hydration 

Hydration is among the benefits of washing your face. Regular facial cleansing through washing your face helps your skin maintain the proper level of moisture. This keeps your skin supple. This also prevents skin drying, which may lead to crackling, itching and scaling of the skin.

Benefits of Moisturizing Your Skin: The Secrets to Looking Young

Amplify effectiveness of skincare products 

Among the benefits of washing your face is it boosts the effectiveness of  other skincare products, which is part of why washing your face is important. Without washing your face, your skin will more likely be covered with a thick layer of dirt, bacteria, grime, and other things which would hinder the function of the active ingredients of your skincare products.

When and how much you should wash your face

Washing your face should only be done ritually twice within a day. You should wash your face once in the morning, and once in the evening. However, you must also wash your face after going through perspiration. For instance, heavy sweating after physical activities is a good reason to wash your face again, without worrying about any adverse effects. To avoid over-drying or compensatory over-secretion of sebum just use plain water or a mild cleanser.

Key takeaway

In conclusion, there are many benefits of washing your face. Washing your face helps remove excess dirt and oil, and promotes healthier skin. It is healthy to incorporate the habit of washing your face daily when you wake up, whenever you perspire heavily, and when you sleep. Wash your face before using skincare products.

Learn more about Skin Care and Cleansing here.

Disclaimer

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088928/

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

Skin care for acne-prone skin, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279208/

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

How to wash your face the right way, https://www.acne.org/wash-face.html

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

Face washing 101, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

Facial cleanliness, https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/face/index.html

Accessed January 3, 2021

 

Sebum, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sebum/

Accessed May 20, 2021

Current Version

07/26/2022

Written by Ruby Anne Hornillos

Medically reviewed by Martha Juco, MD

Updated by: Stephanie Nera, RPh, PharmD


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