Should You Wash Your Face in the Morning? Tips for Healthy Skin

Do You Have to Wash Your Face in the Morning?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, "Should I wash my face in the morning?" or "Should you wash your face in the morning?" The answer depends on your individual skin needs. With one exception, our recommendation is "no." Learn why skipping your face cleanser in the morning can boost your skin barrier health, how it relates to acne, blemishes, and even anti-aging, and what alternatives we recommend if you still want a morning freshness boost.

What Happens If You Cleanse Your Face Too Often?

Every time you wash your face with water, it attacks the skin barrier. This means that the skin barrier needs to regenerate itself. While the skin can regenerate, it takes time, and this process slows down with age. Particularly sensitive or stressed skin will struggle even further to regenerate itself.

The core issue of the cleansing step is this: A cleanser cannot distinguish between particles like makeup on the skin and your skin's natural lipids. It simply washes both away.

This means that the more often you cleanse your face, the more likely you are to rinse out too many of the skin's own lipids, weakening the skin barrier. Over time, this can lead to sensitive, flaky skin, redness, and even accelerate the aging process as the skin loses its suppleness and elasticity. Over-cleansing can also result in sudden reactions to skincare products because the skin barrier is disturbed due to excessive cleansing (such as over-washing, peeling, or exfoliation). Additionally, your skin may produce more sebum as it tries to compensate for dryness caused by over-cleansing.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

You might be wondering, "How often should you wash your face?" or "How many times a day should you wash your face?" It's important to note that over-washing your face can lead to the issues mentioned above. Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. However, if your skin is sensitive or prone to dryness, skipping the morning cleanse can actually benefit your skin.

When Should You Cleanse Your Face in the Morning?

If you used products with potent actives such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, we recommend cleansing your face in the morning. However, always follow this up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The young skin cells that may have been exposed need extra protection to avoid sun damage.

Is There an Alternative to Cleansing in the Morning?

If you're asking, "Do I need to wash my face in the morning?" the answer may be no. Instead of a full cleanse, you can skip cleansing altogether and still refresh your skin. If you wake up with an oily film on your face or feel the need for a freshness boost, carbonated water is a great alternative to traditional face cleansing. You can also use regular tap water if you prefer.

What Are the Benefits of a Strong Skin Barrier?

A strong skin barrier is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. It helps prevent moisture loss, protects against harmful environmental factors, and regulates inflammation. A balanced skin barrier is less likely to be sensitive or dry, and research shows it may even slow the aging process. A healthy skin barrier also supports faster healing of existing blemishes and reduces the likelihood of developing new ones.

Why Is This a Necessary Step in Your Winter Skincare Routine?

In winter, the skin is more prone to dehydration due to the cold, dry air. The carbonated water cleansing technique can help maintain the skin's natural lipids, which protect it from excessive moisture loss. This technique is particularly beneficial for oily and mature skin types.

How to Break the Habit of Cleansing in the Morning?

If you’ve been washing your face every morning, you may be wondering, "How many times a day should I wash my face?" If your skin is fine with your current routine, you can stick with it. However, if you experience dryness, itchiness, redness, or sensitivity, we recommend you skip cleansing in the morning. Instead, give your skin a gentle refresh with carbonated water, followed by your regular moisturiser and sunscreen.

In Summary: The Right Way to Cleanse

To protect your skin barrier, it’s advisable to cleanse your face only in the evening. This is when you need to remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollution. In the morning, you don't necessarily need to wash your face unless you’ve used potent skincare actives overnight. For those who prefer a refresh in the morning, try wiping your face with a cotton pad soaked in carbonated water before applying moisturiser and sunscreen.

How Long Should You Wash Your Face?

When washing your face, remember that "less is more." Keep the washing time to around up to 60 seconds to avoid over-cleansing and damaging the skin barrier. But to properly be able to remove any dirt and grime. 

Who would have thought that doing something good for your face could be so simple? By following these tips, you can prevent over-cleansing and maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier for years to come. This will leave your skin feeling less stressed and looking radiant. Have more questions about skin care face wash or how to use cleanser? Feel free to contact us here.