Can You Do Gentle Skincare 3 Times a Day?
Written by
May Willis
Published
Sunday, 17 Nov 2024
10 min. read
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With 10+ years struggling with acne & skin conditions, we understand what it’s like.
Most of us have 2 skincare routines, one in the morning and one before bed. However, we have all had those days where we were doing a lot of activities during the day and sweat a lot. We then think of the question, "Should I maybe cleanse my face one more time during the day?" The standard advice is to cleanse in the morning and evening, but what if your skin feels grimy after a workout or being out in the city? Let’s dive into whether you can do gentle skincare three times a day and how to do it without harming your skin.
Explore whether you can do gentle skincare 3 times a day and how to do it without damaging your skin.
The Skin's Natural Rhythm
First, let’s talk about our skin’s natural rhythm. Our skin takes about 8 hours to restore its natural lipid levels after cleansing (Garnier) . These lipids are crucial because they form a barrier that protects our skin from environmental damage and keeps it hydrated. This biological timing is why dermatologists typically recommend cleansing twice a day – once in the morning to remove overnight sweat and oil, and once in the evening to clean off makeup, dirt, and pollutants accumulated throughout the day.
An Alternative Perspective: Activity-Based Cleansing
This is essentially what we all think about after an intense yoga/pilates session. Instead of sticking to rigid times, we think about cleansing based on our daily activities. Here is how we can dissect this approach. An activity-based cleansing schedule can be composed of the following 3 cleanses:
Post-Sleep Cleanse (Morning)
In the morning, you need to wash away the sweat, oil, and any skincare products you applied the night before. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. This sets a clean slate for your morning skincare routine and makeup.
Post-Exposure Cleanse (After Dirt/Exercise/Sweat)
If you’ve been out and about, exposed to pollution, or wearing makeup and sunscreen during exercises, it’s a good idea to cleanse when you get home. Pollution and makeup can clog pores, and sunscreen can feel heavy on the skin. This cleanse can help refresh your skin without waiting until bedtime.
Pre-Sleep Cleanse (Evening)
Before bed, it’s essential to cleanse again to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, and oil. This helps your skin repair and regenerate overnight without any barriers.
This schedule of 3 cleanses can potentially benefit people with certain day schedules. On the weekends, I usually go for a light cleanse after my 3 pm workout to be refreshed and ready for nighttime events. But on work days, I do not need to clean my face for a third time. So, think about it from a flexible perspective instead of being a rigid rule.
An activity-based third cleanse might be beneficial, but the devil is in the details.
When a Third Cleanse is Needed, Be Gentle & Specific
Sometimes, you might feel the need for a third cleanse, especially after a sweaty workout or a particularly grimy day. Here’s how to do it gently:
1. Use Plain Lukewarm Water
Instead of reaching for your cleanser again, try rinsing your face with plain lukewarm water. This can help remove sweat and surface dirt without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
2. Consider Micellar Water
Micellar water is a great option for a gentle cleanse. It’s made up of micelles, tiny oil molecules suspended in water, that attract dirt and oil without drying out your skin. Just soak our PureNatura towels with micellar water and gently wipe your face.
3. Focus Only on Areas That Need Attention
If only certain areas of your face feel oily or dirty, like your T-zone, focus your cleansing efforts there. This way, you avoid over-cleansing the rest of your face.
Conclusion
So, can you do gentle skincare three times a day? Technically, Yes, but it’s all about balance and listening to your skin.
Stick to a gentle cleanser, consider activity-based cleansing, and use plain water or micellar water for that third cleanse if needed. Your skin will thank you for it! Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Always pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine accordingly.
We agree with the general consensus that a third cleanse during the day is not need. But, we also understand the complexity of modern lifestyles. As a balanced compromise, we think an activity-specific, gentle third cleanse can be beneficial.
Q&A
Technically yes. You can do gentle skincare 3 times a day if you focus on activity-based cleansing and use mild products like lukewarm water or micellar water for the third cleanse.
The best way to incorporate a third cleanse is by using plain lukewarm water or micellar water and focusing only on areas that need attention, avoiding over-cleansing.
The skin takes about 8 hours to restore its natural lipid levels, suggesting that while twice-daily cleansing is standard, a third gentle cleanse can be done if necessary.
