Is It Better To Wash Your Face In The Morning Or At Night?

Let’s tackle a question that’s plagued many of us: is it better to wash your face in the morning or at night?

Sure, it might seem a bit trivial, but the truth is that washing your face is an essential step in any good skincare routine.

Not only does it help remove dirt, oil, and makeup, but it also promotes healthy skin, protects you from disease and can prevent breakouts.

But when should you do it? Should you suds up first thing in the morning, or wait until right before you hit the hay?

Let’s explore the arguments for both to help you decide which approach is best for you.

Is it better to wash your face in the morning or at night?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when to wash your face, most dermatologists agree that washing at night is more important than washing in the morning.

This is because your skin repairs and regenerates while you sleep, and washing your face before bed helps to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can clog your pores and cause breakouts.

While both times have their perks, it ultimately comes down to your skin type, lifestyle and preference.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, washing your face in the morning may be a good choice to help remove excess oil and refresh your skin for the day.

On the other hand, if you wear makeup or sweat a lot throughout the day, washing your face at night can help wash all of that away and allow your skin to breathe and regenerate while you sleep.

Of course, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to different cleansers and routines.

If you find that washing your face in the morning or at night is too harsh or unnecessary for your skin type, don’t be afraid to scale back.

So, what’s my personal recommendation?

I personally wash my face in the evenings, whether I wore makeup that day or not.

I’m oily along my T-zone and I’m usually wearing makeup so at the end of the day, I’m more than happy to wash my face.

I don’t always wash my face in the mornings because after doing my nighttime skincare routine (using my potions and serums and things) I find that my skin has a nice dewy glow.

So I usually rinse with water, moisturize, protect (sunscreen) and carry on.

However, I will do a full face wash if I did an awesome morning workout, which means sweating. Lots of sweating.

I will wash that ish off.

But is one way better or more beneficial?

3 Benefits of washing your face in the morning

Let’s start with the morning washers out there – if you’re an early riser who jumps out of bed and heads straight for the cleanser.

Well, good news for you – washing your face in the morning can be super beneficial!

Removes excess oil and sweat that can accumulate overnight

For one thing, washing your face in the morning helps to remove any oil and sweat that may have accumulated on your skin while you were snoozing.

And let’s be real, nobody wants to start their day with a greasy, sweaty face, right?

Helps prep your skin for your makeup

Another perk of washing your face in the morning is that it can help to prep your skin for makeup application.

By washing away any impurities, you’re creating a clean slate that will allow your makeup to go on more smoothly and evenly.

Plus, it can make your makeup last longer, so you don’t have to worry about it melting off by lunchtime.

Can provide a refreshing start to the day

And let’s not forget the psychological benefits of a refreshing morning cleanse.

There’s something about splashing water on your face first thing in the morning that just feels invigorating.

It’s like a mini wake-up call for your skin and your senses, helping you feel alert and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

So if you’re a morning face-washer, keep up the good work!

3 Benefits of washing your face at Night

Alright, night owls, it’s time to talk about why washing your face before hitting the hay is a game-changer.

Removes makeup, sweat, and oil that can accumulate throughout the day

Whether you’re a full glam kinda gal or you just wear a little mascara and lip balm, washing your face at night is crucial for removing all that gunk from your face.

And it’s not just makeup – throughout the day, your skin can and will accumulate sweat, natural oils, and other things that you definitely don’t want hanging out on your face all night long.

But there’s more to it than just hygiene.

Allows your skin to breathe and regenerate while you sleep

Washing your face at night also allows your skin to breathe and regenerate while you sleep.

Think about it – during the day, your skin is exposed to all sorts of environmental stressors, from UV rays to air pollution.

By cleansing your face before bed, you’re giving your skin a chance to repair itself and prepare for the next day.

Plus, a clean face means your skincare products can work their magic more effectively, so you wake up with glowing, radiant skin.

Prevents breakouts and acne

Last but not least, washing your face at night can also help to prevent breakouts and other skin issues.

When you don’t wash your face before bed, you’re essentially leaving all that dirt and makeup on your skin to clog your pores and cause inflammation.

And we all know what that leads to – pimples and other blemishes.

So do yourself a favor and make it a habit to wash your face before you go to sleep.

Drawbacks of washing your face in the morning

While there are certainly benefits to washing your face in the AM, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

Can strip your natural skin barrier of natural oils, leading to dryness

For one thing, if you’re using a harsh or stripping cleanser, you could be doing more harm than good.

Over-cleansing your skin can actually strip away its natural oils, leaving you with dry, flaky, and irritated skin.

Not exactly the radiant glow we’re going for, right?

May not be necessary

Another thing to keep in mind is that washing your face in the morning might be unnecessary.

If you have dry or sensitive skin that doesn’t produce a lot of oil, you may find that washing your face in the morning leaves it feeling dry and irritated.

In fact, some skin care experts recommend simply splashing your face with water or using micellar water in the morning instead of washing a traditional cleanser.

Could interfere with your skin’s natural pH balance

Lastly, it’s worth noting that washing your face in the morning could potentially interfere with your skin’s natural pH balance.

Your skin has a delicate balance of oils and acids that help to keep it healthy and protected.

If you’re using a cleanser that’s too harsh or alkaline, it could disrupt this balance and lead to irritation and dryness.

So, while there are definitely some benefits to starting your day with a fresh face, be sure to use a gentle cleanser and pay attention to how your skin reacts.

If you’re experiencing dryness, irritation, or other issues, it may be time to scale back on the morning cleanse.

Potential drawbacks of washing your face at night

There aren’t many drawbacks to washing your face in the evening before bed.

However, just like with your morning cleanse, you don’t want to use a face wash or cleanser that’s too strong or abrasive.

If you’re also using a scrub or exfoliating tool, you could be causing micro-tears in your skin that can lead to irritation and inflammation.

So, choose a gentle cleanser and use it with a light touch.

Not rinsing thoroughly

Another thing to keep in mind is thorough rinsing.

If you don’t rinse off all the cleanser, you could be leaving residue on your skin that could lead to irritation and breakouts.

So take your time and really make sure you’re getting all the cleanser off your face.

Overwashing

Washing your face at night and again in the missing could potentially lead to over-cleansing.

Remember, over-cleansing can lead to dryness and irritation.

So, if you’re already washing your face in the morning and your skin feels clean and healthy (and you don’t wear makeup or use any other clogging skincare products), you might not need to cleanse again at night.

Instead, you could use micellar water, or toner and focus on other nighttime skincare steps like moisturizing and applying serums.

Final thoughts: Is it better to wash your face in the morning or at night?

Ultimately, the decision of when to wash your face depends on your skin type, activity level, and personal preferences.

While most people benefit from washing their face during the missing and at night, you may find that washing your face once a day or even every other day works better for you.

Pay attention to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.