Should You Wash Your Face in the Morning?

Your morning cleanse: an overview

Facial cleansing is a key skincare step if you want to maintain balanced, hydrated skin. With that said, how often you wash your face can have a big impact on how your skin looks and feels. The general rule of thumb has always been to wash your face twice per day, morning and evening. However, more recently, there’s been an ongoing debate over the necessity of a morning cleanse—particularly if you have dry, sensitive skin. Some people believe that skipping cleanser in the A.M. can help your skin retain its natural oils. To help set the record straight, we’re explaining how often you should really be washing your face and sharing tips for curating the best cleansing routine for your skin’s unique needs.

The benefits of a gentle morning cleanse

• Washing your face in the morning helps remove sweat, dirt, excess oil, and bacteria that can build up on your skin’s surface overnight.
• Using a morning cleanser for your skin type can help prevent clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts and other skin concerns.
• Cleansing helps wash away skincare ingredients from your nighttime routine, such as retinol or glycolic acid.
• Starting your A.M. routine with a clean, blank canvas can help set the stage for the rest of the products to follow.

Can I skip face wash in the morning?

Washing your face in the morning is an essential part of any well-rounded skincare routine and shouldn't be skipped. We recommend washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after excessive sweating—regardless of your skin type. Cleansing your face washes away excess oil, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight. Washing your face in the A.M. also helps you start your morning skincare routine with a clean canvas—allowing for optimal product absorption.

Can I wash my face with just water in the morning?

While splashing some cool water on your face first thing in the morning refreshes your skin, it's not effective in cleansing your skin of impurities. Many nighttime skincare products contain emollient-rich ingredients that are not water-soluble—meaning they don’t dissolve in water. Without a proper cleanse, oils and other impurities can build up on your skin’s surface, clogging your pores and resulting in skin concerns such as breakouts, excess shine, and dull skin.

With that said, everyone’s skin is different. There may be some instances when your dermatologist might recommend trying a water-only approach in the morning. If you think this method may be helpful for your dry, sensitive, itchy, or compromised skin, it’s important to consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalised advice.

Can I skip cleanser in the morning and use toner instead?

Facial cleansers and toners are two different types of skincare products with unique uses and benefits. Cleansers are used as the first step in your skincare routine to thoroughly remove excess oil, dirt, and other impurities from your skin’s surface. Meanwhile, facial toners can be used after your face wash to help restore the skin’s pH balance, refresh your skin, and remove any residual dirt or oil. Even if toners have cleansing properties, they still aren’t the same as facial cleansers and you should always cleanse your skin before using a toner.

Is it more important to cleanse in the morning or at night?

Cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, both in the morning and at night. Washing your face in the morning is important because it removes sweat, excess oil, and bacteria from the night, while evening cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, environmental aggressors, and other impurities that build up throughout the day. Cleansing your skin in the evening helps support the skin's renewal process overnight, and removes makeup or dirt that could clog the pores.

Should I use a different cleanser in the morning?

While many people enjoy having a different facial cleanser for their morning and nighttime routines, it’s entirely a matter of personal preference. There’s nothing wrong with using the same face wash in the morning and at night if you prefer to keep your skincare routine simple. In the morning, a non-foaming gel cleanser is one gentle yet effective option that can help kickstart your A.M. routine.

For nighttime cleansing, some people prefer the deep clean feel of a foaming cleanser, since the skin tends to accumulate more “grime” during the day. You might also want to double cleanse to help remove waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based cosmetics before bed. With this technique, you wash your face with a water-based cleanser first, followed by an oil-based cleanser.

Choosing the right face wash for your skin type

There are so many varieties of cleansers to choose from, so it can be helpful to experiment with different formulas to see what works best for your skin’s needs. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Which face wash is best for my morning cleanse?

When it comes down to it, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to facial cleansing. The ideal cleansing routine for your skin will depend on a variety of factors, including your skin type, lifestyle, age, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences. CeraVe recommends choosing gentle formulas that are suitable for your skin type and formulated to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. The ideal cleanser should thoroughly clean your skin’s surface without leaving it feeling tight or dry afterwards. We suggest looking for fragrance-free formulas that are developed with dermatologists, allergy-tested, and contain beneficial ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the best morning face wash for your skin type:

• Dry skin: This skin type lacks much-needed moisture, so you’ll want to look for morning cleansers that are hydrating, gentle on the skin, and non-drying. Some dry skin types might benefit from an oil-based cleanser or a mild, soap-free cleanser containing hyaluronic acid.
• Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin opt for fragrance free, liquid cleanser. You want a face wash that doesn't have overly complicated ingredients that could irritate the skin.
• Normal skin: If you have normal skin you can typically take your pick when it comes to cleanser. Your skin's needs might change depending on the climate or exposure to certain irritants, but generally speaking a general face cleanser should keep your skin clear and your pH levels balanced.
• Combination skin: This skin type often feels oily around the T-zone and dry on the cheeks, so it’s essential to choose cleansers that help remove excess sebum without over-stripping the skin. Combination skin types can benefit from double cleansing with both an oil-based cleanser and a water-based, foaming cleanser.
• Oily skin: It's important not to use an oil-based cleanser if you already have overly oily skin, but you also shouldn't use anything too harsh as this might exacerbate sebum production. Look for a foaming facial cleanser to remove excess oil and minimise unwanted shine. Double cleansing can also be particularly helpful for those with oily skin.

CeraVe's range of facial cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser makes an excellent non-foaming morning face wash for normal to dry skin. This gentle cleanser, formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, is designed to cleanse, hydrate, and refresh your skin while maintaining its protective moisture barrier.

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Reach for CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser to help thoroughly remove dirt and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. This pH-balanced formula with ceramides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid begins as a cream texture and lathers into a soft foam. A gentle cleanser suitable for normal to dry skin, it's also a great option for those with sensitive skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is an ideal cleanser for those with dry skin. It’s formulated to lock in moisture and contains 5% of CeraVe’s best-selling Moisturising Cream. Plus, the soap-free formula features MVE Delivery Technology, which delivers a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients to support skin that feels comfortable and hydrated all day long.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

 

You may want to add the Foaming Oil-Free Cleanser to your morning cleansing routine if you have skin that’s on the oilier side. This face wash with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide is designed to deeply cleanse your skin and remove excess oil without disrupting your skin moisture barrier.

 

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Ideal for normal skin and blemish-prone skin, SA Smoothing Cleanser is a salicylic acid cleanser that gently exfoliates your skin. It’s a great option if you’re looking to effectively remove dirt and excess oil in the morning while softening and smoothing rough skin on your face.

Take the CeraVe Skin Quiz to find out your skin type and skin needs.