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THE FACE WASH LOWDOWN: HOW OFTEN SHOULD MEN WASH THEIR FACES?
In short: washing twice daily is the gold standard,¹ but your skin type ultimately determines whether you should stick with that or adjust for comfort. Cleansing in the morning and at night is ideal for most men, but oily, dry, or sensitive skin may benefit from slight tweaks:
Oily skin
If your face looks shiny a few hours after washing and you often notice enlarged pores or breakouts, you likely have oily skin. Extra oil production means you’ll benefit from both morning and night cleansing. Look for cleansers or cleansing bars labeled “oil control”, “mattifying” or “deep clean” to reduce shine without stripping. Charcoal in face cleansers acts like a magnet for dirt and excess oil, making it especially effective for men with oily skin who want a deeper, shine-free clean without over-drying. Try Dove Men+Care Charcoal + Clay 3-n-1 Hand and Body + Face + Shave Bar
Dry skin
If your skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky – especially after showering – it’s a sign of dryness. Over-washing can make things worse. A thorough evening cleanse with a hydrating formula is usually sufficient, while a splash of water in the morning can refresh without drying.
Sensitive skin
If your skin easily turns red, blotchy, feels irritated after shaving, or reacts to fragranced products, you likely fall into the category of sensitive skin. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers once daily – often in the evening – tend to work best, with a light water rinse in the morning if needed.
This way, you get the benefits of regular cleansing without overdoing it — keeping your routine simple, effective, and tailored to your skin’s needs.
SHOULD I WASH MY FACE IN THE MORNING? OR EVENING?
A morning cleanse can be simple. A quick rinse or gentle cleanse with lukewarm water is enough to refresh your skin, remove overnight oil, and wake you up. Think of it as a reset button before your day starts.
Your evening cleanse is non-negotiable. Throughout the day, sweat, oil, and pollutants settle on your skin. If you skip washing before bed, all of that buildup stays put, clogging pores, dulling your complexion, and potentially leading to breakouts. Evening cleansing also preps your skin to absorb moisturizer, helping it repair overnight.
CAN YOU WASH YOUR FACE WITH BODY WASH?
One of the biggest mistakes men make is reaching for whatever’s in the shower – usually body wash or even shampoo. The problem? Body washes are designed for the thicker skin on your arms, chest, and legs. On your face, they can be too harsh, stripping away protective oils and leaving skin tight, dry, or irritated.
Face-specific cleansers or body and face bars are formulated differently. They’re designed to remove dirt and excess oil without damaging your skin barrier. Many even contain moisturizing ingredients to keep skin balanced. Protecting your skin’s natural barrier is key to avoiding irritation and blotchiness.
If convenience is what you’re looking for, go for a face and body cleansing bar like Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar, which is uniquely formulated with ¼ moisturizing cream and helps to maintain skin’s moisture and hydration levels.
QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER FACE WASHING
A few small tweaks can make your face-washing routine far more effective. Keep these quick tips in mind to get the most out of your cleanse:
- Wash for at least 60 seconds (the “60-second rule”) to give your cleanser time to work.
- Always pat dry with a clean towel, don’t rub.
- Wash your pillowcase often; it absorbs sweat and oil nightly.
- Be consistent. Sporadic cleansing won’t deliver results.
COMMON FACE WASHING MISTAKES TO AVOID
Even if you’re washing daily, small missteps can undo your progress:
- Using water that’s too hot. This strips away natural oils and can cause dryness or discoloration. Stick to lukewarm water.
- Scrubbing too hard. Your face isn’t a gym floor. Gentle circular motions are all you need.
- Skipping moisturizer. Cleansing without replenishing moisture leaves your skin unprotected and vulnerable to irritation.
- Ignoring nighttime cleansing. Going to bed with dirty skin is one of the fastest ways to clog pores.
A SIMPLE FACE CARE ROUTINE TO TRY TODAY
Keeping it effective doesn’t mean making it complicated. Here’s an easy three-step routine:
Step 1: Morning refresh
Rinse with lukewarm water or use a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil.
Step 2: Evening cleanse
Wash with a face-specific cleanser to clear dirt, sweat, and pollution.
Step 3: Moisturize and protect
Apply a lightweight moisturizer in the morning (with SPF if you’re outdoors) and a hydrating cream at night.
Washing your face doesn’t need to be complicated. Twice a day with a face-specific cleanser, paired with moisturizer, is enough to keep most men’s skin healthy. Skipping body wash and choosing products made for your face ensures your skin barrier stays strong, balanced, and protected.
FAQs
How often do dermatologists recommend washing face?
Most dermatologists suggest twice a day,¹ morning and evening, for most men. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may reduce this to once daily.
Can men just wash their face with water?
Water alone removes sweat but not oils and dirt. A gentle cleanser ensures pores are cleaned properly, reducing breakouts and dullness.
Is face washing necessary for men?
Yes. Washing your face is the foundation of healthy skin. It helps prevent acne, irritation, and premature aging while keeping you looking fresh.
Do guys wash their face before bed?
They should. Evening cleansing is critical to remove buildup from the day. Skipping this step is one of the top causes of clogged pores and unhealthy-looking skin.
What is the 60-second rule in face washing?
The 60-second rule means massaging cleanser into your face for at least one full minute. This ensures it dissolves dirt, oil, and impurities effectively, rather than being rinsed away too soon.
References
1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Face Washing 101.
