What Happens To Your Skin If You Only Wash Your Face At Night?

If you're chronically online like most of us, chances are you've come across people advocating for washing your face only at night. Now, if you're someone who religiously washes their face twice a day, this might seem like an awful idea; however, the reasoning behind it is preventing your skin barrier from getting damaged, as washing generally strips your face of its natural oils, many of which are beneficial for the health of your skin. To put this debate to rest once and for all, we've reached out to Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. Exclusively for Glam, Dr. Westbay shared her expert opinion on the popular trend. 

"Washing your face only once a day at night has both pros and cons," Dr. Westbay tells us. "For most skin types, it is generally recommended to wash your face twice a day. This is because, over time, sweat, oil, and environmental debris can build up, leading to inflammation and acne. Washing your face in the morning also helps your skincare products absorb more effectively." However, if you have inflamed or sensitive skin, skipping the washing in the morning might not be that bad, especially if you only have harsh facial washes. "For those with very dry or sensitive skin, cleansing only at night may help preserve natural skin oils and reduce irritation," the dermatologist explains. "However, many gentle cleansers are available that can be used on dry or sensitive skin without stripping the skin barrier." If your skin barrier is damaged, you should treat it appropriately, but not washing your face in the morning generally won't solve the problem.

Lots of things happen to your skin once you stop washing your face, which is why dermatologists don't recommend skipping your morning and nighttime routine. "It is recommended to wash your face twice a day — once in the morning and once at night," Dr. Rachel Westbay tells us exclusively. "In the morning, use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove overnight debris and prepare the skin for your daytime routine," she says. "The nighttime cleanse should be deeper, potentially starting with micellar water to help remove oil, bacteria, and environmental buildup accumulated throughout the day."

However, keep in mind that using a gentle face wash is key. "There are gentle face washes available that are safe to use twice daily," Dr. Westbay explains. If you are considering going with a harsher cleanser that contains an active ingredient, we definitely recommend consulting with a dermatologist first. Apart from morning and nighttime, Dr. Westbay also clarifies that you might need to wash your face at additional times, depending on your lifestyle. "You should wash your face after a workout or any instance of excessive sweating, regardless of the time of day," she tells us.

Now, if you want to improve your skincare routine even more, make sure you don't make this skin-cleansing mistake that may be causing breakouts!