Is it necessary to wash your face in the morning?

Washing your face when getting out of bed is often considered the essential first step in a face care routine. But is it so necessary? Experts give their opinion and everyone has their own point of view.

Updated article, published March 22, 2022

We know: removing make-up and cleansing the skin well every night is essential to eliminate traces of make-up, sebum and sweat that could clog the pores – and favor the appearance of blackheads and skin imperfections – but also to allow the skin to regenerate during the night and fight oxidative stress.

In the morning it is also customary to use your favorite cleansing cream or foaming gel to wake up the face and prepare the skin for day care. But are these few extra minutes spent in front of his faucet really useful? And is there any real benefit to lathering her sweet face after eight hours of sleep?

Why is it advisable to wash your face in the morning?

For Dr. Melanie Palm, morning cleansing is as important as evening cleansing. She explains to InStyle magazine:

“In general, dermatologists recommend that their patients wash their face twice a day. Dead skin cells and allergens can build up on the pillowcase and transfer to the skin on your face overnight. Circulating air can also raise dust, mold, and other environmental irritants that can build up on the face. “

Cleansing the face when you get out of bed, in addition to limiting external aggressions, allows you to sweep away the excess sebum produced during the night but also to optimize the absorption and effectiveness of serums and creams applied subsequently.

Yes but… it is not an obligation!

Despite everything, other skin specialists pay little attention to morning nail polish, as long as the skin does not present any particular problems, especially acne or hyperseborrhea.

To Who What Wear magazine, dermatologist Zainab Laftah explains:

If you don’t apply a leave-in product before bed and don’t have skin problems, a splash of water in the morning is enough.

An advice that also applies to the driest and most delicate skin, which is perfectly satisfied with a few drops of hydrolat, thermal water or tonic lotion – better to avoid tap water, which is often chalky – to wake up. .

” If you have dry skin that has redness, rough patches or eczema, it is sufficient to clean it once a day. “, Confirms Dr. Malvina Cunningham, dermatologist, in an interview with Who What Wear.

Where experts agree is to say that the need to wash your face with a specific gel or cream is also a matter of personal feelings: if you feel that your skin needs it, especially if it produces a lot of sebum during the night, do not hesitate. , as long as you opt for delicate, soap-free products. Otherwise, a simple rinse is enough to start the day well.