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 do believe that it is important to wash your face in the morning. It would be one thing if you were washing your pillow every day but I doubt that anyone is. Laying in your own facial germs and oils can cause problems like acne. I found an article by CeraVe and although are often trying to sell products, their company is run by dermatologists who are creditable. Here, they say "washing your face in the morning helps remove sweat, dirt, excess oil, and bacteria that can build up on your skin’s surface overnight." Although some people are saying not to wash your face in the morning because you should retain the natural facial oils, it's not just good oils left on your face when you wake up. I also believe that it depends on the person. Everyone's skin is different so that is a factor when considering this question.


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

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I believe that washing your face in the morning depends on the each person and their skin type, and how their acne may respond to different skin care routines. I personally wash my face every night and spray rose water in the morning since I have found from some dermatologists it can be better for your skin than washing your face, since washing your face too often can result in more lines and texture. This has personally worked for me and gotten rid of a lot of skin issues, but i also wash my pillow case quite often to get rid of any bacteria that could mess with my skin. In my research i found that its more beneficial to wash every night, and maybe not every morning.

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Dermatologists primarily recommend skipping a facial cleanser in the morning to patients who experience dryness. Typically, they still recommend rinsing with water, especially to remove nighttime skincare products, but emphasize that the use of a cleanser both morning and night is not ideal for all skin types and may unnecessarily dehydrate the skin. For more information on how dermatologists approach this topic, check out this fact-checked article: https://www.health.com/should-you-wash-face-morning-8597820

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I think that depending on the person and their skin it is okay to wash their face in the morning. Some skin types need the extra hydration/cleaning, and some don't. If you use a facial cleanser in the morning and night it can cause a bit of dehydration to the skin due to removing and stripping a lot of your natural oils. I believe it just in the end depends on the person but overall good claim!

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The statement is unreliable because the Vogue article provided by the student is about a product creator who talks about her experience with not washing her face in the morning and promotes her product through this article. I also tried to research for proof that supports the claim, but I did not find any trusted organizations covering this topic. Also, if it did help the creator of the product to not wash her face in the morning, it is not guaranteed that it will help everyone to do the same.

(No trusted sources found, adding to the fact that this claim is unreliable)

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! 

 

Answer 8

This claim is one that neither completely true or false because a skincare routine depends on the person. 

We can first list a couple of reasons why its seemingly better to skip your morning face wash. The Vogue article in which the claim is based on discusses the skincare practice of by French pharmacist Natacha Bonjout. She notes that a morning cleanse takes away the sebum layer of your skin. It’s noted that sebum is beneficial to skin health, so stripping that away may damage your skin barrier. Additionally, skipping a morning cleanse will be worthwhile for people with dryer and sensitive skin types according to the U.S Dermatology Partners. 

Yet, skipping a morning cleanse is not a skincare rule that is meant for everyone. Contrary to this claim, people should typically wash their face 1 to 2 times a day and whether you decide to wash it once or twice depends on you, according to Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Agency’s medical director based in San Diego (U.S Dermatology Partners). Mentioned by the same article, there are important factors to consider when determining how many times a day you should wash your face; factors such as oily skin and sweating are important to determining that washing your face twice is day is probably better than once.

The amount of differentiating opinions, ranging from a pharmacists to dermatologists tell us that a skincare routine all depends on the person. It is not wrong to skip a morning cleanse; it may work for some, but if it doesn’t work best for you that is okay. It’s important to consider your skin type and other external factors to better decide what cleansing routine is best. 

Articles: 

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

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

https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/press-media/dont-be-gross-heres-how-often-you-should-wash-your-face/

Answer 9

The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests you wash your face twice a day, including in the morning. But honestly, It depends on your skin type.

The article referenced was a response to another article, which seemed more in line with an advertisement than an educating piece. She lists an item that the woman being interviewed herself created, which would bring into question some bias. The direct article in the original comment is very similar to the one they mentioned getting the information from, down to the items with links to purchase. The article only has one small paragraph at the very bottom detailing the experience of not washing your face, which is complete opinion.

I would suggest checking out,

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

This article details steps for face washing and has a lot of great resources for other skin care basics. Summarized it says that yes, you should wash your face 2 times a day including in the morning.

Another article I found was,

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

This article talks about how one should keep in mind how your skin type might affect what you wash your face with or in some cases how often.

A good rule of thumb is to wash your face two times a day, and if problems with dryness or sensitive skin issues occur, you might want to limit the amount of skin washing and alter products.

Answer 10

While many sources I looked at came from personal experiences of people who stopped washing their faces in the morning and experienced major improvement in skin quality, the consensus of "if you should wash your face in the morning" is that it depends. The sources I looked at all determine whether you should wash your face in the morning or not on your skin type. If you have drier skin, then you should wash your face in the morning, but if you don't then it's not necessary to wash your face in the morning.

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