To cleanse in the morning or not to cleanse? That is the question. Whether it ’tis better for the skin to be cleansed with a water-based cleanser or to be splashed with water or a cleansing water so as to not strip away moisture?
Ahem. Sorry.
This may seem like a silly, over-thinking question, but as someone with dry winter skin, I really think about each of my skincare choice to consider if changing something could lessen my discomfort (dryness, itchiness at the end of the day).
Since really getting into my skincare routine, I have alternated using a water-based cleanser in the morning and using just a micellar-water type of cleanser.
To be clear, I always double cleanse every night, first with an oil cleanser and then a low-ph water-based cleanser. The oil cleanser breaks down and washes away my sunscreen and makeup. The water-based cleanser follows up to wash away anything left by the oil cleanser.
But or awhile, I was using a water-based gel or foaming cleanser in the mornings in the shower because, honestly, it was easier. Plus, I use a sleeping mask each night, so I was worried that I needed to make sure I thoroughly cleansed my face each morning to help avoid breakouts.
This winter, I started relying more on my cleansing waters in the morning so that I could put on a wash-off mask before getting in the shower. Swiping a wetted cotton pad across my face is nicer in the winter than splashing water on my face first thing in the morning.
What I noticed is that when I stopped using the cleansing gel, my skin didn’t feel as stripped after getting out of the shower. And, overall, my skin felt much more hydrated throughout the day. I also started misting my face after a shower to keep it from drying out before I get to my routine (I don’t keep my skincare products in the bathroom).
Based on my skin’s state this winter, I’m definitely going to stay away from cleansers in the morning, even if they’re low-ph. Cleansing water on a soft cotton pad has been working fine to cleanse my face while helping me keep much-need moisture on my skin.
What about you? Do you use a cleanser in the morning? Just splash your face with water?
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Hey there!
I’ve been debating this lately too, and since it’s getting into winter I’ve noticed my skin has been getting a bit drier these days after using a foaming face wash in the mornings (I’ve been using them as my face tends to get a bit oily in the night, and also to make sure there’s no sleeping mask residue) – but it could also be my foaming cleanser’s pH may be a bit too high!
I’ll have to try giving up my foaming wash in the mornings and see if my hydration levels improve during the day! 🙂
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Yes! Using a cleansing water has been totally fine for cleaning my face in the morning. Try it and see!
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Interesting! I usually do my full skincare routine at nighttime and in the mornings I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, then apply toner, serum and moisturizer with spf. At nights, I also use eye cream, lip balm, a second cleanser and every other night an exfoliant.
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