Its better not to wash your face in the morning

Question

To wash or to not wash your face—that is the question. Does it just depend on the skin type and genetics or could it benefit everyone not to wash your face in the morning?

Comments

I found this article to be very interesting, but I really think we should not draw too many conclusions from one article in Vogue. It's an interesting perspective, but Vogue is about beauty and lifestyle, not about scientific evidence. The claim not washing your face in the morning could be beneficial for some skin types is definitely a consideration, but there's so much gray area here. For example, my skin is very sensitive, and I can’t go without washing in the morning or it results in breakouts, but I've seen others who can skip it and be perfectly fine. So, I think it’s important to view this suggestion as something that could be true for some, but not a universal solution.

---

I like that you used personal experience to base your factcheck and that you analyzed the source as a way to determine if the claim was true or not. It's true that Vogue probably is not credible as an actual source but rather a lifestyle promoter with an emphasis in beauty and style. You drew from you and your friends' experiences to answer the claim which is useful and valuable!

---

Whether or not to wash your face in the morning is debated, and it all depends on skin type and individual needs. According to Vogue, some experts say that skipping a morning cleanse can save the skin's natural sebum, which acts as a protective barrier against environmental stressors. Others, however, insist that washing your face in the morning is necessary to get rid of nighttime products and allow better absorption of skincare applied afterward.
https://www.vogue.com/article/french-pharmacist-beauty-secrets

---

This claim seems like it could be pretty true. The first thing I noticed is that this article is from 2023, making it pretty recent. The author of this article Kiana Murden specializes in beauty care which makes her very credible for this topic on washing your face in the morning. The people that published this article, Vogue is a very trusted business known for their beauty products, and after more research the claims they are making here can be found being made by other trusted sources.

---

This claim seems like it is multi-faceted and requires extensive research. I looked at another Vogue article that says that she tried not washing her face due to a skin condition called dermatitis. She quotes that many skincare professionals gave her differing advice on how to approach this problem and she found that to see if it worked, she had to go through a series of tests. The author of this article specializes in beauty, which makes her a reputable source, however, the article I found also says she specializes in Beauty. This points to me that this claim needs to have research conducted on a large sample size made up of different skin types to see if there is any real effect of not washing your face. I really enjoyed looking into this claim!

Article I reference: https://www.vogue.com/article/should-i-wash-face-in-morning

Answer 1

The base of the claim made by the article is that a French pharmacist advised against cleansing in the morning because it removes the "delicate layer of sebum that your skin produces overnight to protect itself from external factors, like pollutants or bad bacteria". According to Cleveland Clinic, the sebum is also natural lubrication that protects against friction damage, loss of moisture, and infections. It also says that pores can get clogged with sebum, resulting in acne. It also says to maintain the health of your sebaceous glands to use a gentle cleanser daily, which goes against the claim slightly, because it doesn't specify the frequency. In conclusion, I believe that there are both benefits and drawbacks to this method, although I cannot deny there is some truth to the claim. You stop yourself from removing one of your body's naturally occurring defenses, yet also expose yourself to acne, which is counterproductive to the goal of achieving clearer skin. I would possibly attempt to find a middle ground, like maybe pairing a cleanser with a product that jump starts the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. It might allow you to prevent damaging clogging without losing the benefits of the sebum for an extended period of time.

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands

Comments

This is a very well-written fact-check! I appreciate how you concluded that, while the claim has both benefits and drawbacks, there is truth to it, as supported by your sources. It’s clear that your work is thoroughly researched and thoughtfully presented—great job!

---

Incredible response to the given claim. You addressed the issue of washing your face in the morning, can evidence from a reliable source, and explained your thoughts in an organized matter. Great work!

---

I like how you linked and explained a lot of evidence and different perspectives

---

This fact check is a great example. I think it is great that they didn't just link what the article they were referencing, but they rather explained what they read and reworded it to include in their own words. The writer also reflects on the other side that maybe it isn't so bad to wash your face twice a day (in the morning). I think that this fact check was great.

---

Hi! This is a really beneficial fact check. I appreciate how you explained the source that the claim was based on and then how you went more in depth explaining how this source is trustworthy. In addition you did really well to bring up how there might be a better middle ground than just not washing your face in the morning or washing it.

Answer 2

Washing your face in the morning only has upsides but this varies from person to person. Washing your face in the morning is always good for the skin but some skin doesn't vary much based on the cleanliness. I would recommend anyone taking care of their physical health unless it bothers their mental health.

https://www.health.com/should-you-wash-face-morning-8597820

Comments

This fact check needs to be more clear an concise. Using your personal experiences may not always be beneficial to others. This is why including facts that prove your reasoning would be much more beneficial. The website you attached seems to give very good information, so maybe including facts from the article will help prove your point that it is better not to wash your face in the morning.

---

I agree with you on this. I think you could do a better job explaining your claim though. I read on Cerave.com that, "It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight. 2 Lathering up in the A.M. also helps you start your morning skincare routine with a clean canvas—allowing for optimal product absorption. It helps prep your skin for morning skincare essentials (like your sunscreen) and removes any leftover product from the night before." So with that being said, I agree with you, I would just say to back your statement a little more. Other than that, great job.

---

I agree with you that washing our face is good for personal health. Different people contain different kinds of situation of face, but everyone need to make sure their personal health to prevent disease. The reason is that there are many kinds of germ on our face after sleeping.

---

I agree that it depends on the person and their needs. The information comes from a dermatologist which is a professional in this field, so it is trusted. It also gives helpful tips on how to build a personalized skincare routine.

---

This is a great response to the claim because you give critical and informative advice. This will be very helpful for their next post!

---

I think your claim is very broad; I would add some more evidence and details to further your claim

Answer 3

This article claims that you shouldn't wash your face in the morning. For example. Cleansing your skin in the morning removes the delicate layer of sebum that your skin produces overnight to protect itself from external factors, like pollutants or bad bacteria,” Bonjout says. “This layer of sebum is beneficial for your skin, so it is a pity to remove this exceptional, naturally produced, beneficial shield.” Also, natural oil serves as a barrier against pollutants and harmful bacteria, making it beneficial for skin health. Removing this protective layer can be detrimental, as it helps safeguard the skin from external factors. However multiple sources say that washing your face in the morning can remove dirt, sweat, excess oil, and bacteria, while also using a morning cleanser can release clogged pores. 

But some also say facial cleansing is essential for removing excess oil and debris, not everyone needs to wash their face twice daily. For some skin types, morning and evening cleansing can cause dryness or irritation, so using just water or a gentle cleanser in the morning is advisable to avoid stripping the skin.

https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning#:~:text=Washing%20your%20face%20in%20the,breakouts%20and%20other%20skin%20concerns.

https://www.health.com/should-you-wash-face-morning-8597820

Comments

This answer does a great job at laying out what essential information on both sides, but it lacks an answer to the claim and why it is exaggerated. What have you deemed to be the correct method from your findings?

---

A nice straightforward answer, good job. Providing quotes to further prove your point is a great thing, could you give some background though on the articles that state otherwise though? How can they be deemed truthful for the evidence provided?

---

This is a great fact-check because it explains the benefits of both sides. Which do you feel is correct?

---

This is a clear factcheck! You did a good job is defending both ideas of the claim while also quoting reliable sources such as skin care companies that have a following like CeraVe. It's good that you targeted specifically the effects of both choices and what can be left behind if you do or don't use a facial cleanser.

Answer 4

There is certainly no negatives to washing your face in the morning, but it is not something that is totally necessary. It is definitely recommended as lots of bacteria can find its way into pores within the skin leading acne, pimples, etc. 

https://www.health.com/should-you-wash-face-morning-8597820

Comments

This fact check has to be clearer. Others may not always benefit from your personal experiences. For this reason, it would be much better to include facts that support your arguments. Perhaps using facts from the article will support your argument that it is better not washing your face first thing in the morning, as the website you linked appears to provide great data.

---

I would challenge you to find evidence that backs up your claim that there are "no negatives" to washing your face in the morning and that is it not "totally necessary." These statements seem very broad and general, making them inaccurate for some people - maybe with oily skin. I feel like they could be more specific to the type of person and there needs to be more specific and clear evidence from reliable sources to back them up. Just linking in the article is not enough.

Answer 5

Natacha Bonjout's is the french pharmacist who recommends going without the morning cleanse. While this might support the claim to be true it is not ideal for everyone to skip that morning cleanse. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating. Diving into the article provided I found it to be very reliable and had up to date information with a reliable author and verified pharmacist.

https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning#:~:text=Washing%20your%20face%20in%20the%20morning%20is%20not%20bad%20for,regardless%20of%20your%20skin%20type.

Comments

I appreciate Natacha Bonjout's statement on skipping the morning cleanse, as it aligns with current research suggesting that cleansing isn't necessary for everyone. Her perspective reinforces the evidence that our bodies often manage their own detoxification effectively without additional morning routines. Using the article draws me in even more. Great job!

---

I appreciate how you provide a source for each side of the claim and address the fact that multiple answers are possible. Very helpful response!
I also like how you linked to another source that discusses a different perspective, although Cerave may not be the most reliable source since they make their profit from selling face wash to consumers.

---

I appreciate that you use other research to prove the view. The original research contain many purchase links about skin care product, which may allow the reliability is ambiguous. Your adding research can help increase the reliability and show your view about the point.

Answer 6

According to the skincare brand CeraVe, washing your face in the morning can help remove the bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight. But according to another article it can depend on your skin type it can be either more beneficial, for example if you have more oily skin, but if you have dry and sensitive skin then washing your face too often may be harmful.

CeraVe article

https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20AAD%2C%20cleansing,settle%20on%20your%20face%20overnight.&text=Lathering%20up%20in%20the%20A.M.,allowing%20for%20optimal%20product%20absorption.

Prevention Article

https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a38636075/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pre_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_20197200377&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7Py4BhCbARIsAMMx-_LHV5jnGtWVO8Yg6PXAsWdMNDXMcaJlmua9HLAkVTF0XZ6qyugP9AgaAlRtEALw_wcB

Comments

These 2 sources are totally disagreeing with each other, so I believe you're right to say there is an opinion here. However I think that CeraVe is a brand trying to sell their product, so they might be a source that has a conflict of interest. Something that might be beneficial is looking for a source in favor of washing your face that isn't trying to push a product! Still a nice use of multiple sources though.

---

I appreciate your use of these sources to show that there are extremes here, as I think the point should be that there are many ways to wash your face, and doing so too aggressively or not enough can both end up being harmful. Both the product market and the population's skin conditions have a lot of variance, so there is no uniform or universal way to wash skin for the best results. That is what I got out of your sources and your response, but your fact check could have used a little more analysis so as to connect and strengthen the sources rather than just present them.

---

It should be that there are various ways to wash your face and that doing so too harshly or poorly can both be harmful, so I like how you used different sources to highlight the extremes. There is no standard way of washing skin for the best results because the product market and the skin problems of people everywhere vary a lot.   This is what I took away from your sources and your response, however instead of just presenting the sources, your fact check could have been supported from a bit more analysis to link and strengthen them.

---

A product should not make a recommendation because skin care varies greatly from person to person. What works for some may not work as well for others. Any time a company promotes its product, consumers should be wary.

---

I agree that a recommendation by a brand that sells said product can be sketchy at best. However, cerave does want to stand out as a brand that helps its customers achieve their skin care goals. The fact that the article doesn't say that using all 20 of their products does seem to show some truthfulness occuring. In an article by consumer reports they agree with Cerave's findings that it is highly dependent on your skin type and your activity levels as to whether or not you need another wash at night or throughout the day. Also the strength of the product used is another factor with some face washes being harsher than others.

https://www.consumerreports.org/health/experts-agree-that-some-of-us-are-washing-our-face-too-much-a2998749979/

Answer 7

This article claims that it is unnecessary to wash your face in the morning. It then goes on to quote French pharmacist Natacha Bonjout and her opinions on her own skin care routine. Although Natacha is a licensed pharmacist who has over 15 years of experience in the field, when I looked more into her interview with Vogue where she originally made the claim about washing your face in the morning, she does not give any scientific reasoning to back this up. Furthermore, after doing my own digging I came across a a clinical trial posted to the "National Library of Medicine". In this trial they evaluated the effects on washing your face one, twice, and even four times daily. In the end, they claimed to have observed worsening effects of acne on the group washing just once a day. I think how often a person should wash their face is dependent on each individual and their own skin needs.

https://www.vogue.com/article/french-pharmacist-beauty-secrets

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014635/

Comments

Your analysis of the claim is very thorough! You looked at the very source itself and the way in which the claim was stated to see the approach that the claim took. You also did additional research into the topic and came to a solid conclusion based on all of the facts and viewpoints you found. This is a very good fact check. :)

---

Multiple good pieces of evidence that go towards your point. Credits sources as well, very good fact check

---

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands

I think that this is a little misleading because it is better to wash your face in the morning than not at all but it is better to wash at night than the morning. The lipids act as a protective layer against abrasion on a daily basis although they can add up and negatively effect acne and eczema as well as other skin conditions.

---

I love this fact check! I appreciate how you analyzed the original source of the claim and then looked outside of the source and did additional research. Good work! The National Library of Medicine (NIH) is a great source, however that study is about those with acne vulgaris, so I'm wondering how applicable those results are to this question?

Answer 8

From what you said by the article is that a french pharamacist is against cleansing in the morining because it removes that layer of sebum that your get overnight. From the article Cleveland Clinic that if you do that it can lead to acne and infections on the face. Its clean to water your face but after waking up you have stuff on your face so you would want to wash it a bit but not full on. Like for me I just water my face if i dont shower after I wake up but I dont put like chemicals or stuff like that to wash it. 

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands

Comments

I like that you used a different source (especially my.clevelandclinic.org as I have used it in the past) to help prove another point of view and an important one too.

Answer 9

This article claims, "Cleansing your skin in the morning removes the delicate layer of sebum that your skin produces overnight to protect itself from external factors, like pollutants or bad bacteria,” Bonjout tells Vogue. “This layer of sebum is beneficial for your skin, so it is a pity to remove this exceptional, naturally produced, beneficial shield.” This article is very misleading because according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should wash your face in the morning with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.  Washing your face is not a bad thing, it helps remove bad bacteria and pollutants. No matter your genetics, washing your face in the morning with a gentle cleanser is still important. 

https://www.vogue.com/article/french-pharmacy-morning-cleanse

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101

Comments

A nice job listing your points, but upon reviewing your article, there's not really any statement in there that deems morning washes being super necessary. its gives us steps on how to wash your face and why its important, but apart from this there's no further evidence that could back up your points. Would there be any way to further review this articles statements?

---

Yes, you’re right about the potential downsides, but the article doesn’t exactly frame skipping a morning cleanse as harmful. Instead, it shares this French scientist’s perspective on a skincare approach that’s more common in France, where many people notice healthier, clearer skin by avoiding the morning wash. It’s more about suggesting a different lifestyle that could benefit Americans, especially since those who’ve tried it say they feel and see improvements in their skin.

Answer 10

How many times you wash your face a day is completely personal and based on your own skin type. If you have eczema or severely dry skin, washing your face once a day might be too much, but if you have severely oily or acne prone skin, washing your face twice a day might be ideal.“Our metabolism still produces sebum [oil] and sheds skin cells in [our] sleep,” Tull told Health. “Even if you wash your face at night, you probably aren’t changing your pillowcases every night, so grime from bedding and hair will build up.” Washing your face in the morning can help cleanse your skin on harsh oil build up and germs you collect through out the night. Similarly like washing your face at night removes the gunk of the day."When it comes to how often someone should cleanse their skin, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer." How often you clean your skin is completely up to what works best for you.

Source: https://www.health.com/should-you-wash-face-morning-8597820