Hailey Bieber revealed to British Vogue that she doesn’t cleanse her face in the morning, and ever since, many have had the same question. Do we really need to wash our faces every morning? Or can we get away with a splash of water, like Hailey?
For years we’ve learnt to cleanse our skin morning and night, absolutely no excuses. But recently, that advice has started to shift, with some dermatologists rethinking the need for a morning cleanse altogether.
So, what’s the truth? Should you lather up every morning, or is skipping better for your skin? Truthfully, the answer depends. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Morning Cleansing Became the Norm
Cleansing twice daily has long been considered a must for healthy skin, and the logic makes sense.
At night, you remove makeup, SPF, pollution, and the buildup that accumulates during the day. And in the morning, you start fresh, washing away sweat, oil, and any lingering residue from your nighttime products.
Overnight, your skin doesn’t go to sleep as you do. It continues to produce sebum (your skin’s natural oil), and, depending on your skin type, it can build up by the AM. Throw in sweat, skincare leftovers, and bacteria from your pillowcase, and it's easy to see why a morning cleanse has become the standard.
For many people—especially those with oily or acne-prone skin—a morning face wash is still the go-to.
When You Should Wash Your Face in the Morning
If your skin often feels shiny or congested when you wake up in the morning, an AM cleanse can make a noticeable difference.
A gentle cleanse helps remove excess oil and reduces the likelihood of clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. It also creates a smooth, clean base for the rest of your skincare routine, so your serums, moisturizers, and SPFs can be absorbed effectively. And for many, a morning cleanse can feel like a comfortable reset and wake you up for the day ahead.
You’ll likely benefit from a morning cleanse if:
● Your skin is oily or acne-prone
● You’re using active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids at night
Active ingredients or exfoliating acids can leave residue on the skin. Gently removing them in the morning can help reduce irritation.
When You Can Skip the Morning Cleanse
A growing number of skincare experts suggest that not everyone needs to cleanse in the morning. And for some skin types, morning cleansing might even do more harm than good.
While you snooze, your skin produces natural lipids that help maintain hydration and support your skin barrier. This barrier is what keeps moisture in and irritants out, and it’s essential for healthy, balanced skin.
Cleansing in the morning—especially with harsh or foaming cleansers—can strip away those beneficial oils. For people with dry or sensitive skin, this can lead to tightness, irritation, and a weakened barrier over time.
If your skin feels comfortable—and not greasy or congested—when you wake up, you may not actually need to cleanse at all. A quick rinse with lukewarm water, as Hailey does, is often enough to refresh the skin without disrupting its natural balance.
Your Skin Type Matters
There’s no universal rule here, and that’s what makes the morning cleanse debate so confusing. The right approach depends entirely on your skin.
If you have oily or combination skin, or you’re prone to breakouts, a gentle morning cleanse is usually a good idea. It helps keep oil production in check and reduces the risk of congestion.
On the other hand, if your skin is dry, sensitive, or easily irritated, skipping the morning cleanser might be a better option. Preserving your skin’s natural oils can help maintain hydration and reduce redness or reactivity.
And if you’re somewhere in between? You can take a flexible approach. Some days you might cleanse, especially if your skin feels oilier than usual. Other days, you might skip it and go straight in with your skincare.
How to Cleanse Properly (If You Do)
If you do choose to cleanse in the morning, keep it light and gentle. Use lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser instead of piping hot water, as heat can dry out the skin and compromise your skin barrier.
Spend around 60 seconds massaging a gentle cleanser, like the Replenix Green Tea Gentle Soothing Cleanser, into your skin, which gives it enough time to work without being too harsh. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might prefer a stronger option, like the Murad Clarifying Cleanser, which contains 1.5% salicylic acid.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing or heavily fragranced products, especially if you have sensitive skin. And when you’re finished, pat your face dry gently with a clean towel instead of rubbing it. The goal is to refresh your skin, not strip it.
It All Comes Down to You
So, should you wash your face in the morning? There isn’t a clear right answer—it all depends on you.
When in doubt, pay attention to how your skin responds. It’s usually the most reliable expert you have.
Want more skincare advice? Learn why your skincare routine needs time to start working, and how long to wait.
