The debate as to whether we should be washing our faces in the morning has gained traction on social media. We spoke to dermatologists from London’s top clinics to uncover the truth.
Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek and Alex Cooper. We bet you’re wondering what these women have in common.
Well, as well as being incredibly beautiful and talented, all three of these celebrities have claimed that they forgo washing their faces in the morning as part of their skincare routines.
Now, we wouldn’t blame you for being utterly shocked at this news, especially as the concept of washing our faces daily has always seemed to be the bare minimum of a good skincare routine (and just basic hygiene). But in her recent GRWM video for Vogue, Call Her Daddy podcast host Alex Cooper revealed that she hasn’t washed her face in over two years: “I don’t wash my face. Please don’t judge me. I just realised that when I was breaking out a lot and my skin was super oily, as soon as I stopped washing my face, all my pimples disappeared.”
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And Alex isn’t alone. Skincare-lovers across the globe have also been shocked to discover that Salma Hayek similarly omits face washing in the morning, with the actress recently telling GQ: “My grandmother taught me to not wash my face in the morning. It’s not disgusting, guys.
Cameron Diaz seemingly agrees, noting on Michelle Visage’s podcast Rule Breakers that since having her daughter, she no longer adheres to a regimented skincare routine that includes daily face washing.
We figured that if these women choose not to wash their faces, but have skin as good as they do, then maybe there’s something to the trend…
What are the benefits of not washing your face in the morning?
“Not washing your face is helpful in allowing your skin’s natural oils to remain intact,” says Nina Prisk, skin and aesthetics expert at Update Aesthetics. “This can help to protect the skin’s natural moisture and pH levels as well as its barrier function, which prevents against dryness and irritation.”
And this is a view that Salma maintains, too: “What happens at night is that your skin produces all the oils it needs look youthful. So, don’t wash the hard work off your skin in the morning.”
Rebecca Elsdon, owner of Re/Skin Clinic, adds that not washing your face in the morning can be good for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. “The trend of not washing the face can be beneficial for some skin types, particularly dry or problematic skin, by preserving the microbiome,” she says.
There’s also the thought that excessive face washing can cause damage, with Dr Eirini Merika, a consultant dermatologist at Montrose London, noting that it can “strip the skin of its natural moisture and disturb the balance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria”.
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What problems can arise with not washing your face in the morning?
According to these experts, there’s a lot.
“While not washing your face can help maintain the natural oils and moisture barrier, it may also lead to the accumulation of impurities and dead skin cells,” says Dr Merika. “Morning cleansing helps remove any oil, sweat and bacteria that may accumulate on your skin overnight. It also prepares your skin for the application of skincare products, ensuring they’re absorbed more effectively.”
Nina similarly maintains that those with oily skin would typically benefit from cleansing in the morning: “During the night, the skin goes through many processes, repairs and cellular metabolism. This can lead to waste products and cellular debris that may have accumulated on the skin’s surface.
“There may also be the need for the removal of sweat, and if you live in a highly polluted area, then the removal of pollution, too.”
What about in the evenings and removing makeup?
If we’re not washing our faces and instead going straight to the likes of wipes, this will have a negative impact on our skin, says Nina: “Makeup remover wipes typically contain chemicals that dissolve makeup particles. This differs from normal cleansing that involves not only removing makeup but also washing away oil, bacteria, dirt, pollution and sweat, which can gather on the skin.
“Long-term use of makeup wipes can not only result in breakouts and contribute towards premature ageing, but many also contain strong chemicals which can strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in dryness, inflammation and irritation. For this reason, it’s beneficial to wash the face after using them.”
The best way to remove makeup is, of course, washing our faces. But even if you’re not wearing makeup, you’d be hard-pressed to find a skin specialist who says you can skip your evening cleanse.
“I don’t advocate not washing the face at all; however, I think it’s important that the correct products are used to do this and that steps are taken to avoid over-washing,” says Nina.
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Should we be washing our faces in the morning or not?
The truth is, when it comes to washing your face, it very much depends on your skin type. If you’re someone who suffers from dry, sensitive, inflammatory or eczema-prone skin, then not washing your face can help prevent further irritation. However, it’s imperative to remember that this isn’t suitable for everyone — as Rebecca confirms: “Those with oily or acne-prone skin benefit from morning cleansing, as it helps to manage sebum and prevent breakouts.”
If you’re undecided about what to do, the experts recommend consulting a specialist to establish a skincare regime that works for your specific needs.
“Typically, people suffering from regular breakouts should take steps to keep the skin and pores clean and free from debris,” says Nina. “This would involve washing the face twice a day, ideally with a gentle cleanser.
“However, for some people, if the washing is causing an increase in sebum production, then cutting down your face washing to once a day may be more beneficial.”
