Q Is more thorough and frequent face washing better for the skin?
A Excessive face washing is actually a major cause of skin barrier destruction. Washing twice a day with lukewarm water using a mildly acidic cleanser rather than alkaline soap is recommended. The goal is to remove dust and sunscreen, not to completely strip away sebum.
Detailed Answer
The skin surface's sebum film (acid mantle) has a pH of 4.5–5.5, acting as a natural protective barrier that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Excessive washing or use of strong surfactants washes away this film, raising skin pH to neutral or alkaline, eliminating beneficial bacteria, and increasing skin sensitivity. Wash gently with lukewarm water in under 1 minute, then pat dry softly with a cotton towel.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine views excessive cleansing as damage to Lung Qi (肺氣). Since the Lung governs skin and body hair, frequent hot-water washing or overuse of scrubs weakens Lung Qi and reduces the skin's defensive capacity. Especially on days when the sea breeze is strong in Dong-gu, Incheon, the recommended approach is to wash only to remove foreign matter with lukewarm water after returning home, followed immediately by moisturizing.
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