Washing the face every morning is a daily routine for many, serving as an important way to maintain healthy skin and necessary for personal hygiene, especially for women using cosmetics. But how often should this be done? In this regard, Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, explained that while washing the face can undoubtedly be beneficial as it plays an important role in removing dirt, oils, dead skin cells, makeup, and substances that clog pores and glands, she added, "If you washed your face the night before, do you really need to do it again just hours later?"
She continued, "Washing the face too often can, in some cases, disrupt the skin microbiome and exacerbate skin conditions like perioral dermatitis or sensitive skin." She confirmed that for most people, simply cleaning the face before bed should be sufficient. For her part, Caroline Stoll, a dermatologist, stated that when it comes to the frequency of cleansing the skin, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on skin types, according to the "Health" website.
She explained that for some individuals, especially those with acne or oily skin, washing the face twice a day may be beneficial, as washing in the morning can help remove oils and dead skin cells that can clog pores. She also said it's a good way to eliminate remnants of skincare products, including wax and heavy oils.
Additionally, Stacey Toll, MD, MPH, and a dermatologist, confirmed that removing this dirt and skin oils in the morning reduces the likelihood of clogged pores and rashes. She stated that it can also prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to a dull or unhealthy appearance.
While cleansing the face in the morning may improve skin health for some people, it is not essential for everyone. If someone wants to try reducing their face-washing routine, spraying the face with water after waking up may be a good option, as recommended by Stoll. She specifically noted: "For those with sensitive or dry skin, using water without cleanser in the morning may be sufficient and will not remove the protective oils that help support your skin barrier."
