If your face gets shiny a few hours after washing, you may wonder whether you should be washing it more often.
Maybe you’ve even found yourself reaching for your face wash several times a day because your skin feels greasy.
But more washing isn’t necessarily better.
In fact, washing oily skin too frequently or using a cleanser that is too harsh can leave your skin irritated and uncomfortable.
So, how often should you wash oily skin?
For most people, washing your face twice a day — morning and evening — is a good starting point.
You may also want to cleanse after heavy sweating or exercise.
The evening cleanse is particularly useful because your skin has collected sweat, oil, sunscreen, makeup, pollution and other everyday build-up throughout the day.
In the morning, cleansing can help remove overnight oil and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine.
But you don’t need to keep washing your face every time you notice a little shine.
Why does oily skin become oily again so quickly?
Your skin naturally produces an oil called sebum.
Sebum isn’t automatically bad. Your skin needs some oil to help maintain its protective barrier.
The problem is when excess oil combines with dead skin cells and other debris, potentially contributing to clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts.
And if you constantly strip your skin with very aggressive cleansing, you may end up with irritation and dryness rather than the comfortable, balanced skin you’re looking for.
Choose your cleanser carefully
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, look for a cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving your face feeling painfully tight afterwards.
Ingredients such as salicylic acid are commonly used in products designed for oily and congested skin because they can help with clogged pores.
A gentle gel or foaming cleanser may suit some people with oily skin, while others may prefer a different texture.
Your skin’s reaction matters more than what the bottle promises.
What if you still look oily after washing?
Don’t automatically wash again.
Instead, look at your entire routine.
Are you using a moisturiser that suits your skin? Are you using very heavy products? Are you constantly touching your face? Are you using several strong exfoliating products at once?
Sometimes the answer isn’t another wash.
It is a better-balanced routine.
And if your skin is persistently oily, inflamed or breaking out, a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can help you work out what is going on.
The bottom line
Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need to wash your face every few hours.
Start with cleansing twice a day, use a suitable cleanser and pay attention to how your skin responds.
Your goal isn’t to remove every trace of oil.
It’s to keep your skin clean, comfortable and healthy-looking without constantly fighting against it.
Because sometimes, when it comes to oily skin, doing more isn’t the answer.
Doing the right things consistently is.
