To wash or not to wash? Rinsing your face off in the morning is a refreshing way to start the day, but we’ve heard mixed opinions from our customers on whether they think washing their face first thing in the morning is the right thing for their skin. The answer isn’t black and white, and there a couple of things you should know before you ultimately make the decision. Today we’re going to discuss everything you should know about washing your face in the morning and who it may or may not be good for.
“Whether you wash your face in the morning is going to depend on things like your lifestyle, your skin type, and ultimately your personal preferences. Some may decide that rinsing off in the morning helps them feel more refreshed, while others may notice that it only dries their skin out and causes discomfort,” says Dr. Parks. “If you do find that washing your face twice a day is causing some discomfort, try diversifying your cleansing routine with a gentle cleanser in the morning—or simply use water to get that refreshing feeling from rinsing off,” he says.
Understanding Your Skin
First things first, understanding your skin type is crucial. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, your morning routine can have a big impact on how your skin feels and looks throughout the day. “Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, stripping your skin of its natural oils too frequently will often result in adverse effects,” says Dr. Parks. “For this reason I always recommend a gentle cleanser in the morning for people who want to wash their face twice per day.” he adds.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, err on the side of caution when it comes to washing your face more often. The reason for this is that washing your face with soap can strip your skin of its natural oils, which might only irritate your dry skin or make it even more dry and itchy. “If your skin feels dry and tight after washing, that’s a sign that you might be washing too often or with the wrong cleansing product,” says Dr. Parks. “Try using a soap-free cleanser like the Replenix Green Tea Gentle Cleanser or a cleanser with gentle ingredients like glycolic acid,” he says.
To address dryness caused by morning washing, you can also add other moisturizing products that will balance your skincare routine to keep your skin from getting too dry. Products for dry skin are a great way to achieve that while keeping your morning washing routine.
If you enjoy feeling refreshed in the morning, though, a gentle and non-drying cleanser like the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser is a great choice for a quick morning cleanse that won’t dry your skin out. Glycolic acid is a gentle exfoliant that will help remove any dead skin cells without irritating your skin, and its soap-free formula means that it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, on the other hand, washing your face in the morning can help prep your skin for a full day. It can help remove oil and buildup that may have accumulated overnight, and it can even help your morning skincare and makeup routine to be more effective. “Those with oily skin may find that washing their face in the morning helps prep their skin, but there is a risk that they end up causing more oil production by stripping their skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Parks. “Find a way to balance oil production with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. That way you’re not triggering more oil production later on,” he adds.
The key to keeping oily skin under control is to keep it balanced, so a gentle cleanser like the Jan Marini one we mentioned above is also a great choice. Oily skin tends to produce even more oil if it gets stripped too often, so if you’re going to wash more than once a day—make sure its not with a cleansing product that will trigger more oil production.
Facial cleansers without soap in them are a great choice, and can help you achieve your goals without leaving your skin more oily than it was to begin with. Again, the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser is a great choice, along with the Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser. “Soap-free cleansers are a great way to control oil production without triggering adverse effects. Soap can often be drying, which might end up making you even more oily than you were to begin with later on,” Says Dr. Parks.
With all of this being said, there are still reasons for and against washing your face in the morning. Below are all of the things you might want to consider before you come up with an answer based on what works for you and your lifestyle.
The Case for Washing Your Face in the Morning
1. Removing Overnight Build-up
While you’re off in dreamland, your skin is busy shedding dead skin cells and producing oils. Washing your face in the morning helps remove this build-up, giving you a fresh canvas for your skincare and makeup products.
2. Refreshing Your Skin
Splash some water on your face, and you’ll instantly feel more awake. It’s not just a feeling, though. Washing your face boosts circulation and can help reduce morning puffiness, especially around the eyes.
3. Prepping Your Skin for Skincare Products
Clean skin is the best base for your skincare products. Washing your face allows for better absorption of your morning serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, ensuring you get the most out of their ingredients. A cleanser like the Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash is a great option for your morning routine because it can help your skin look bright and well-rested for the day ahead.
What to avoid with morning face washing:
If washing your face feels good and right for you, then follow your gut. If your skin seems irritated, try eliminating the morning wash. There are lots of great reasons to rinse off before you start the day, but there are some cons to consider too. Here are some reasons why you might not want to wash your face in the morning.
1. Over washing Can Be Harmful
If you have dry or sensitive skin, washing too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and dehydration. In these cases, a gentle rinse with water might be all you need. Try a mild cleanser that will refresh your skin without over washing it. The Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a great option that can clean your skin without causing negative side effects.
2. The Right Products Matter
Using the right cleanser is just as important as deciding to wash your face. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that respects your skin’s pH balance and doesn’t leave it feeling tight or stripped (two signs your skin is dry). When you do this, you can dehydrate your skin and make things like fine lines and wrinkles only appear more prevalent.
The Glytone Mild Cream Cleanser is a great choice that will help you achieve that clean feeling without stripping it of those natural oils. The makeup you use can also have a direct impact on how drying or irritating your skin might get. “If you’re using makeup products that contribute to dry skin or the blockage of oil glands, you may find that adding a step to your routine by washing your face in the morning will only exacerbate these issues,” says Dr. Parks. “Look for products that are a combination of skincare and makeup, like this hypoallergenic BB cream from VMV,” he says.
Tips for a Morning Wash
- Gentle Products: Choose a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Water Temperature: Lukewarm water is your friend. Too hot or too cold can shock your skin and lead to irritation. Hot water can also dry your skin out.
- Pat, Don’t Rub: After washing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Rubbing can be too harsh on your delicate facial skin. Try to avoid washing your face with a washcloth or other physical products that can over-exfoliate your skin. What works on the rest of your body may be too harsh for your face! A simple rinse with a cleanser and your hands should be enough. If you do need to exfoliate, opt for a gentle exfoliant like the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
- Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration, even if your skin is oily. Yes, oily skin needs love too! We recommend a gentle moisturizer that you can add to your morning routine before you start your makeup, like the Elta MD AM Restore Moisturizer.
How often should you wash your face?
So, should you wash your face in the morning? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your skin type, your evening skincare routine, and how your skin feels when you wake up. Listen to your skin. It’s always communicating with you. If your skin feels oily or grimy in the morning, a gentle wash is a good idea. If it feels dry or sensitive, maybe just a splash of water or a very gentle cleanser is all you need.
Remember, skincare is deeply personal. What works for your best friend might not work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what makes your skin feel its best.
