Do You Really Need To Wash Your Face Twice a Day?

We’ve all had those rushed mornings when, in the interest of time, we forgo our usual a.m. facial cleanse. Often, it comes with a twinge of guilt — after all, we’ve been told time and time again that, like brushing your teeth, facial cleansing should be a twice-daily habit. And for many of us, that’s solid advice. But is it really always necessary to lather up morning and night? 

We asked an expert — and it turns out, skipping an a.m. cleanse might not be the worst thing. In some cases, it’s even what’s best for your skin. 

Why Do You Need To Wash Your Face?

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense between you and the outside world, and it’s exposed to a lot throughout the course of the day. There’s excess oil, dirt, dust, and makeup, as well as invisible grime, such as air pollution particles. If left to sit on your skin, these things can contribute to breakouts and irritation (or, in the case of air pollution, even premature aging). A thorough cleanse can help remove debris before it has a chance to affect your skin. Cleansing also helps prepare your skin to better receive the ingredients in targeted treatments such as serums, toners, and moisturizers. 

But that’s only one part of the equation. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Abigail Waldman, M.D., FAAD, explains, “there are organisms — bacteria, mites, fungus — that live on your skin and populate throughout the day.” Some of these organisms are helpful, but if they proliferate, your skin’s microbiome can get thrown out of whack. And, per a study published in the medical journal Nature, disruption to the skin microbiome can result in hard-to-manage skin concerns including persistent acne, dermatitis, and eczema. 

Do You Need To Cleanse Morning and Night?

With all of that said, it may seem like the answer to the question of whether you need to wash your face twice daily would be a resounding yes. But that’s not always the case. As Dr. Waldman explains, your skin is exposed to far less at night than it is during the daytime, so for some, a morning cleanse may not be necessary. “Washing your face at least once a day, at night, is recommended,” she says. “For many people, it’s twice a day — but sometimes, that morning wash, you can do with just water.” A morning water-only cleanse may be particularly beneficial for those with extremely dry or sensitive skin who require a gentler approach to skin care. Those with especially oily skin or who are on an acne regimen will often benefit from a.m. and p.m. cleanses. 

Is It Possible To Overwash Your Face?  

It is possible to overwash your face, and doing so can cause or worsen dryness, redness, and irritation. Cleansing too often also can dehydrate your skin, which may cause it to overproduce oil to compensate (and, in turn, make you more likely to break out). 

To reduce the chances of stripping your skin, wash up no more than twice daily, or once if you’re sensitive. We also recommend limiting exfoliation and using a gentle, hydrating cleanser when you do lather up. (Try iNNBeauty Project Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser if you have oily or combination skin, or snag Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk to cleanse and nourish dry skin.) 

Finally, no matter how often you cleanse, be sure to always use lukewarm water. It might feel nice, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), hot water can strip your skin barrier of its natural protective oils.