If you ask any dermatologist about the first step in a skincare routine, they'll likely say the same thing: cleansing. But does this hold true for both morning and night time routines?
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"In my opinion, washing your face in the evening is non-negotiable," stated Dr. Angela Casey, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ohio. "During the night, our skin goes through the 'rest and repair' phase of the skin cell cycle." According to Casey, failing to thoroughly remove dirt, allergens, and other irritants from the face at night can disrupt the skin's repair cycle.
While many beauty enthusiasts follow a multi-step nightly skincare routine, including double cleansing, their commitment to a morning skincare routine may differ. Many are fortunate to have enough time in the morning to simply splash water on their face before heading out the door. While dermatologists generally agree that most, if not all, patients should wash their faces at night, what is their stance on skipping the morning cleanse? Is it detrimental if you don't wash your face every morning?
"As with many skincare practices, the answer varies," stated Dr. Helen He, a dermatologist based in New York and a resident at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai.
What type of skin do you have?
Unsurprisingly, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, most dermatologists recommend incorporating a cleanser into your morning routine. "Patients who tend to sweat and produce more oils while sleeping are also more likely to transfer debris from their pillowcase onto their face," He said. "Thus, thoroughly cleansing your face in the morning can help remove these substances that may otherwise clog pores and cause breakouts."
However, if you have dry skin, you might be able to save an extra five minutes in the morning by skipping the wash. "Over-cleansing can strip the skin barrier of lipids, making the skin more susceptible to irritation, flaking, and eczema," He said.
For those with dry skin, Dr. Elaine Kung, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, suggests, "A splash of water or a gentle micellar water might suffice."
What is your local climate like?
If you've ever traveled to a vastly different climate from where you live, you may have needed to adjust your skincare routine. The regimen that works in hot, humid Miami, Florida, might not be suitable for the dry desert of Palm Springs, California. Similarly, whether you can skip washing your face in the morning also depends on the weather.
"Patients in hot, humid climates may benefit more from morning cleansing, while those in dry, cold climates may skip it," He explained.
It's essential to note that humidity levels vary by season. So while skipping a morning cleanse might benefit your skin in winter, you may need to reintroduce it into your routine in the summer.
How sweaty are your mornings?
When sweat combines with your skin's natural oils and dead skin cells, it can result in clogged pores. "Anyone who exercises in the morning should cleanse their face after their workout," Casey advised.
Casey also mentioned that if you sweat during sleep, you should not skip cleansing your face in the morning. She noted that hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy and perimenopause, can lead to hot flashes and increased sweating.
What’s your nighttime skin care routine?
Your nighttime skincare routine may impact whether you need to include a cleansing step in the morning. "If your nighttime routine only involves lightweight products, a morning cleanse might not be necessary," Kung explained.
However, if your nighttime regimen includes skincare products with active ingredients, such as retinol, washing your face in the morning should be a priority.
"Some nighttime products, like prescription-strength retinoids, remain active on your skin for 12 hours and may not be compatible with exposure to ultraviolet light," Kung said. "Therefore, washing them off in the morning is advisable." While dermatologists generally recommend that those with dry skin can skip washing their face, there's an exception for those who use a popular technique called "slugging."
Slugging involves applying a thin layer of an occlusive product, such as Vaseline, to lock in moisture overnight. However, occlusives like petroleum jelly can be harmful if left on the skin for extended periods.
"Occlusive skincare products are beneficial for individuals with dry skin," Casey explained, "but it's important to strike a balance between applying these barrier products and allowing our skin to breathe and absorb other moisturizing ingredients that strengthen our skin barrier and microbiome." In essence, it's advisable to wash off occlusive products in the morning.
Moreover, incorporating hair care products into your nighttime routine can affect whether you need to wash your face in the morning.
"Oils and ingredients from hair and hair products can transfer to your pillowcase and come into contact with your skin while you sleep," Casey said. "For some individuals, these ingredients can lead to irritation and acne breakouts, highlighting the importance of washing your face in the morning."
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer
In a morning skincare routine, various factors can influence the necessity of a cleansing step. Within just a few weeks, you might need to adapt your morning regimen based on your daily activities, nighttime skincare routine, health condition, and local climate.
"There's no universal solution," Kung remarked. "Observe how your skin reacts after cleansing. If it feels dry or irritated, consider modifying your routine or the products you use."
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