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 really like your claim and the article you listed. I myself have experienced my skin start to clear up and improve when I stopped cleansing in the morning. I l also liked how you brought up the question of is it up to genetics or could it help everyone. I found another article that I enjoyed that talks about this topic and has a lot of interesting details about what happened to the author when she did this.
https://theeverygirl.com/washing-face-in-the-morning/

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The article provides a great explanation of the circumstance, and the author shares their experience with trying a method that differs from their usual AM/PM face-wash routine. For the author they found it more beneficial to only deep cleanse their face at night with a gentle morning rinse the following day. While this method works for the author, it may not be the same for someone else. The biggest thing to keep in mind when reading an article like this is that the results may vary between the author and yourself. An article by Byrdie that poses this same question brings in the opinions of two certified dermatologists who's opinions also vary based on their preferences and knowledge. The Vogue article lists many different skin care products that give the reader a chance to examine the product and potentially buy it, which is a great way to both interest the reader and promote a product.
https://www.byrdie.com/should-you-wash-your-face-in-the-morning-5101158
The dermatologists mentioned:
https://www.optiskinmedical.com/about
https://profiles.mountsinai.org/noelani-e-gonzalez-ortiz

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A number of the articles I've found on this question are somewhat back and forth. I would note that while Vogue is a credible source, they are a beauty product brand and therefore their primary goal more than likely is to sell their products. This is notable by the hyperlinks throughout the article, as well as the sales pitch at the end. I would refer to some more credible sources, such as medical sites where their primary target is to inform, rather than brand sites that are likely just trying to sell you something.

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I agree that It mostly relies on case to case as everyone has different skin types, so what works for one person doesn't always work for other people.

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I like the question you added, I feel it does heavily depends on the person and their skin type. For me personally, I like to wash my face a few hours after I wake up instead of right when I do. I feel like there's not enough evidence and research to give this statement a true/false claim.

Answer 1

Skipping a morning face wash can be beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps preserve natural oils and maintain the skin’s protective barrier; however, people with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from a gentle cleanse upon waking to remove excess oil and bacteria. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual skin type, genetics, and personal preference—some find their skin feels more balanced without a morning cleanse, while others rely on it to keep their complexion clear.

 https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/wash-your-face

 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face

Answer 2

To answer your question, I checked a consumer reports article with quotes from a licensed dermatologist. The article claims that how frequently you wash your face does depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, it is recommended to just wash your face at night, and rinse with water in the morning according to an associate professor of clinical dermatology. For those with oily skin, cleansing twice a day is more effective. The article also emphasizes the importance of cleansing after sweating, “There’s also the issue of other materials left on your skin, such as pollution, dirt, and sweat, that accumulate over the course of the day, that you want to wash off…” Overall, it is important to understand your personal skin type (the article also shows how you can figure this information out) and how to maintain it.

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

Answer 3

The claim made by the Vogue article that it is better for one to not wash their face in the morning is true but misleading as individuals skin types must be taken into consideration. Consumers should be wary with purchases as it includes multiple ad placements to extend their nighttime facial/skincare routine and in turn churn revenue from product placement following exaggeration of an issue. It should be noted that individuals with acne may be washing their face both in the morning and at night since sleeping may allow for the culmination of sweat, dirt, and other bacteria to build up. The Vogue article states "delicate layer of sebum that your skin produces overnight to protect itself from external factors, like pollutants or bad bacteria" is stripped away when washed in the morning, however the AAD recommends individuals wash their face in the morning regardless of skin-type due to sweat production. Consumer reports concludes that over-washing one's face can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or sensitivity. For individuals with sensitive skin, washing once a day may be sufficient to maintain a healthy skin barrier. A nighttime cleanse is typically enough to remove dirt, oil, and makeup accumulated during the day, while a gentle rinse with water in the morning may be all that’s needed (not necessarily completely skipping morning facial wash). Skincare routines should be tailored to an individuals skin type and placement for face washing should be determined based upon that as well.

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

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

Answer 4

This claim comes from Natacha Bonjout, a French pharmacist. She's featured in a Vogue article and while Vogue is a well known lifestyle site, I wouldn't say their content is always truth or fact. They often post celebrities who share their skincare regime and tips. Bonjout article is similar to that, just tips that have worked for herself and others. I'll also note that the article also mentions Bonjout's recently launched brand, which plugs her $130 "single do-it-all hero." There are arguments for both sides of this claim. Some, like Bonjout, state that washing your face in the morning "removes the delicate layer of sebum that your skin produces overnight to protect itself." Other sources like American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing your face in the morning as "it washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight." I believe that there's  no set answer to this. Everyone's skin is different and it really depends on what works for each individual. 

CeraVe does a good job on answering FAQs about facewashing:

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

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin

Answer 5

This claim is titled, "Its better not to wash your face in the morning." This claim is linked to Vogue, which briefly explains the situation and how to fix it, although it's not entirely false, it can't be entirely true, it doesn't seem like all types of skin are targeted, how will skin type change potential products, do genetics come into play and so on. This short explanation is followed by a huge list of their products that are the "solution." I believe that this claim is neither false nor true because it can change per person, just a claim to make more sales and profit.

Answer 6

I like the question you posed, and your claim. However, I do believe after some research that most people should be washing their face in the morning and at night. I found another article by Vogue (your same source) that recommended most people should be washing their face in the morning, unless they have eczema or very dry skin. This is because we build up a lot of oil, sweat, and dirt after a long night's sleep, and our skin should be clean before we apply other products or makeup.

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

I also consulted a very trusted skincare brand, Cerave, who said that again, people should be washing their face in the morning regardless of their skin type. It is an essential part of a skincare routine, because nighttime skincare products have been laying on our skin for so many hours. "Without a proper cleanse, oils and other impurities can build up on your skin's surface..."

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

However, since Cerave is a skincare brand, we should take into account the fact that they might be trying to create this image so they can continue to sell facial cleanser. But, their article is backed by good sources and information.

Answer 7

The AAD recommends washing one's face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night and after excessive sweating. It is shown that this is the proper number of washes needed in order to remove dirt, oil and maintain the best skin health. I will say however, that it is possible to over wash one’s face. If you wash it too much, it can strip too many of the oils and lead to skin irritation and dryness. There is no proof, however, that washing one's face specifically in the morning is harmful.  

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

https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-skin/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face/#:~:text=The%20Takeaway,for%20our%20Healthy%20Skin%20Newsletter!