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

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

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While the title did a great job of triggering the curiosity of the audience and encouraging people to think and discuss the topic together, the source seemed unreliable. First of all, the direct source attached was from Vogue, a company known for fashion and beauty. Instead of a source related to science, experiments, or research, this topic mainly relied on a beauty site. Looking closer at the article, it's quite obvious that some skin care products were advertised each time after a few paragraphs. It's common to see ads in articles and news, but these promoted beauty products were actually directly advertised by Vogue. This action reduced the trustworthiness of the source. By reading in detail, it's shown that even the external references were written and edited by Vogue. If this claim was to be better, reliable sources with authority should be used.

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I really liked the source you used to project the idea that washing your face in the morning is bad for your skin and instead you should use the double cleansing method to wash your face. I also provided another link to a website that implies the same thing but with some other information about the topic.

Link: https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/does-washing-you-face-in-the-morning-ruin-your-skin#

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I feel that the title did a great job of snatching the attention of possible readers, and then explaining and breaking down the argument and evidence. The author of the original plan for the skincare routine and tips is Natacha Bonjout as she is spotlighted in this piece by Vogue magazine. I do think that this was a sort of cash grab, due to the advertisement of products on every single step listed. https://www.vogue.com/article/french-pharmacist-beauty-secrets

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https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine
I looked at two other trusted sources and they both were encouraging to wash in the morning and at night. It does also depend on genetics how often you should do skin care. As well it's up to personal preference if you want to at all.

Answer 1

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 2

Skipping a morning face wash has its proponents, especially among advocates of minimalistic skincare routines. French pharmacist Natacha Bonjout, as mentioned in Vogue, argues that natural oils produced overnight form a protective barrier, shielding the skin from environmental pollutants. This approach may benefit individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as frequent cleansing can strip essential oils, leading to irritation or dryness. Additionally, experts, including Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud of U.S. Dermatology Partners, suggest that during winter months, when dryness is more prevalent, skipping a morning cleanse can help retain hydration. For those who do not sweat heavily or apply occlusive products at night, a rinse with lukewarm water may suffice to refresh the skin without disrupting its balance. Advocates argue that this approach can simplify skincare routines while maintaining the skin’s natural equilibrium.

On the other hand, many dermatologists highlight the necessity of washing your face in the morning to remove residue, oil build-up, and skincare products applied the night before. Dr. Paloma Borregon, the medical director of Kalosia Clinic, explained in Vogue that products such as retinol and acids, commonly used in evening routines, should not remain on the skin during the day due to potential sensitivity to sunlight. Moreover, she refutes the idea that the natural oils accumulated overnight form a protective shield, instead identifying this "barrier" as a combination of oil, sweat, and bacteria that can clog pores and contribute to skin issues. Supporting this view, U.S. Dermatology Partners emphasizes that morning cleansing prepares the skin to absorb active ingredients like sunscreen and moisturizer effectively, making it an essential step for those who sweat, live in humid climates, or use heavy products overnight.

Some sources that back hop my arguments are:

Bonjout, N. (2022). French pharmacist beauty secrets. Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/french-pharmacist-beauty-secrets

Borregon, P. (2022). Should I wash my face in the morning? Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/should-i-wash-face-in-morning

Tolpinrud, W. (2022). Don’t be gross: Here’s how often you should wash your face. U.S. Dermatology Partners. Retrieved from https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/press-media/dont-be-gross-heres-how-often-you-should-wash-your-face/

Answer 3

Skipping your morning face wash might work for some people, but it depends on the persons skin type. For people with dry or sensitive skin, skipping the wash can help keep natural oils and maintain the skin barrier, especially if you cleanse thoroughly at night. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin might benefit from a morning cleanse to remove oil and dead skin cells that build up overnight, which can clog pores. The Mayo Clinic recommends daily face washing for healthy skin, while the CDC highlights its importance for removing bacteria and preventing infections. Research also suggests that cleansing habits should consider outside factors like the weather, pollution, or sweat all of which that can impact your skin health. Ultimately, it’s best to make your routine to your skin’s needs and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/facial-cleanliness.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/multimedia/moisturizer-tips-from-a-dermatologist/vid-20434565

Answer 4

The claim made against a pharmacist located in France recommended to avoid cleansing your skin in the morning because “[c]leansing your skin in the morning removes the delicate layer of sebum... [b]y morning your skin has worked overtime to repair itself". There is evidence according to Pediatric Dermatology, that washing your face morning and night can worsen the skin and create more blemishes. This also states that there was a study where subjects were to either wash their face once, twice or even four times a day for a total of six weeks. Towards the end of the study there were no clear differences between the three but blemishes did worsen while washing your face once a day. This claim goes somewhat against the Vogue article but I can agree that there is no harm in this. In all, Vogue isn't incorrect just not totally necessary to the average skincare routine. I would not recommend just washing your face at night but maybe finding a good in between. This could be finding a gentle enough cleanser where it doesn't strip your face of those good oils and still remains moisturizing to your skin barrier. This might save your skin without having to wash your face only once a day and can build a good routine for your skin to adjust to. 

Source: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2006.00276.x 

Answer 5

While everyone's face reacts differently to different products, Cerave states that washing your face in the morning is not bad for you. They claim that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends it. This is because it helps prep your skin for other products that may go on it and gets rid of any product that may still be intact on your face. An article from Health, states that washing your face in the morning is beneficial because it can remove excess sebum along with dead skin cells. Thus it depends on the person's type of skin but washing your face in the morning can be a good thing.

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

https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning

Answer 6

The article, Vogue, raised uncertainty initially due to many skincare advertisements that popped up whilst reading. Summed up, the article follows a French pharmacist who advertises not to wash your face in the morning, stating, "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." On further research I found similar claims stating that cleaning your face in the morning can be over stripping the skin, leading to breakouts and redness. Carolyn Stull, a board-certified dermatologist adds, "When it comes to how often someone should cleanse their skin, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Rather, it's dependent on individual skin types." She then dives deeper, explaining how someone with dry skin or eczema may want to skip a morning cleanse, whereas someone with oily skin could benefit. In conclusion, there are many benefits to skipping cleansers in the morning for some, however, it depends on the individual's skin type. Therefore, there is some truth to this claim.

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

Answer 7

I think this comment is really broad, and is dependent on the person plus their age. Because when you think about it everyone is dealing with different skin issues such as  "the first time kids are dealing with acne, blackheads, dry patches, and the general roller coaster of hormonal changes." This statement could make that condition worse if they're dealing with these type of issues, and keeping clean faces are a key to keeping the condition stable. Also when you mean wash do you mean not even wash it with water? Or do you mean washing it with a cleanser or what type of things? The brand CeraVe suggests that "The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type.¹ According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: 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."  With the ADD saying this, I believe that is a reliable information to follow through with. 

I think this statement is false with it just being too ambiguous, and also mostly not true. When reading the article it would only work if you are someone who has these specific products and having a strategic routine that follows that guideline to make it "work". The typical person doesn't have that or don't follow that. All in all this statement should not influence someone to stop washing their face. 

sources: 

https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning?https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-skincare-routine-for-teens.html?utm_campaign=feed-part&utm_medium=social_acct&