Facial cleansing in the morning: why water is enough

We all want a clear complexion, that's clear. But how much cleaning does it require? At the latest when your skin already feels dry or sensitive, it is time to rethink your care routine. Because using deep-cleansing foams in the morning makes it difficult for your skin to start the day. What does she really need in the morning? Let's find out!

Cleaning your face too often – is that even possible?

It is often recommended to cleanse the skin thoroughly in the morning and in the evening . In addition, many products advertise Deep Cleansing, which sweeps through the pores like my grandmother used to do when spring cleaning. In the evening, the face should be cleaned and thoroughly cleaned of make-up and dirt particles, that's for sure. Once the day's legacy has been cleaned away, skin regeneration is in top form.

However, with facial cleansing you also wash away a lot of what your skin urgently needs. Protective lipids from the skin barrier, for example. That's why balance matters. If you clean too much, problems will arise. It's worth reading on, especially if you're struggling with dry skin, blemishes or uncomfortable skin tightness after cleansing.

Why you should only wash your face with water in the morning

It makes sense to cleanse your skin when it's really dirty and stressed by makeup, air pollution, or sunscreen. But has your skin gotten nothing but a hat of sleep ? Then take it easy in the morning so as not to deprive it of its important lipids.

Since your skin is not exposed to as many environmental influences (dust, pollen, make-up, etc.) overnight as it is during the day, there is actually nothing to cleanse in the morning. Only a few dead skin cells, some sweat and a little excess sebum have to be removed. And lukewarm water and a clean towel are enough for that. At the same time, this gentle cleansing leaves the skin barrier intact and thus prevents skin problems. That's what you get for:

• Soft, well-hydrated skin
• Less skin irritation
• Less dryness lines

Facial cleansing with water preserves the moisture balance of your skin. It protects itself from the stresses of everyday life with the help of fats. Fats not only cement the horny layer, but are also part of the hydrolipid film (protective acid mantle) above it. Together they prevent too much water from escaping to the outside. At the same time, they protect the skin against bacteria and impurities.

The skin produces everything it needs for these protective mechanisms itself. The lipids come from the sebaceous glands in the dermis. And the slightly acidic pH value that makes this protective acid mantle so effective against invaders is created when sebum and sweat combine. Doesn't sound very appetizing, but it's highly effective. Because even the bacteria that cause skin blemishes find this mix heavy on their stomachs.

💦 Washing with cleaning products overrides the skin's own protective barrier. The consequences include dryness, irritation, increased greasing and impurities. Conclusion: Your skin only needs | in the morning Pure love, air and water.

Common skin problems from too much cleaning

While your skin has been preparing itself nicely for the new day while you sleep, a clarifying cleansing gel comes along in the morning and ruins all your work. The following skin problems therefore occur frequently.

Dry skin and tightness from cleansing products

Cleaning foams are fat-dissolving and soaps are also alkaline. How often have I heard the sentence: " After cleaning, my skin is dry and tense" . Where that comes from is clear. Surfactants, soaps and alcohol dissolve the important lipids and make the skin's surface porous. This leads to increased moisture loss. At the same time, a basic pH value eliminates the protective function of the acidic hydrolipid film. Instead of ridding your skin of impurities, it now becomes even more susceptible to them.

Impure skin caused by aggressive facial cleansing

Classically, impure skin tends to occur with oily skin. But especially from the mid-20s or 30s, pimples are often accompanied by dryness and tightness . This is partly due to improper care. Clarifying, anti-bacterial gels and foams clean with powerful surfactants or alcohol. But they also destroy the hydrolipid coat that repels pests. In addition, they not only attack "bad" bacteria, but also those that you need for a healthy skin flora . In short: aggressive cleaning sabotages your skin.

So if you have frequent pimples or suffer from mild acne, cleansing with just water in the morning will boost your skin's defenses against impurities.

If you only wash your face with water in the morning, you can save yourself many other products

In response to their fat-dissolving effect, facial cleansers usually have a whole host of other products in tow. They are intended to balance the pH value, the loss of lipids and dryness. And of course, we all need care basics. A good moisturizer and sunscreen are a must. But beyond that? Does our cosmetics cabinet really have to be bursting at the seams?!

The following applies here: too much harms the skin more than it is good. It is not for nothing that contact allergies and sensitive skin are on the rise, even in extreme forms such as perioral dermatitis . Cleansing, toning, creaming, matting, make-up and and and, the whole thing back and forth simply overwhelms the skin. If you do without cleaning products in the morning, the first and most important step towards simplifying has already been taken. So dare, the result will surprise you!

Is water enough for facial cleansing even with oily and impure skin?

Of course, with this skin type or condition, clear skin is an issue on a day-to-day basis. Is it enough to just let water run over your face in the morning?

If you have the feeling that you can't get the upper hand with a shiny complexion and blemishes despite rigorous cleansing , you are probably not inclined to experiments. But this one is worth it! If your skin is tight and sensitive in places , but pimples don't go away, try not to use a cleansing product in the morning. Because what are the causes of oily skin and blemishes? And how do cleaning products affect it?

Aggressive cleaning stimulates regreasing

Let's start with oily skin. First of all, it is a matter of disposition. But ruthless washing and clarifying also fuels sebum production . This applies to aggressive products as well as to mechanical facial brushes . Your skin isn't a caked-on frying pan that you'd have to mess with with degreaser and a wire sponge. But on the contrary. If you touch your face more gently, your skin can come out of defense mode and sebum production will normalize.

Therefore, it is better to only use clear water in the morning and gently absorb excess fat with a clay mask . Once or twice a week is enough. It doesn't put too much strain and at the same time provides valuable minerals.

🌟 My tip for impure and oily skin : wash in the morning (only with water!), dry and spray on a witch hazel hydrolate before moisturizing . This has an astringent effect, refines the complexion and provides you with additional moisture.

Simplify!

If you only clean your face with water in the morning, you will improve the condition of your skin and prevent problems such as premature aging or irritation. Plus, your money is better invested in a quality, natural moisturizer than in a variety of products designed to rebalance your skin after cleansing.

By the way, under skin care you will find even more details and tips for a skin-friendly care routine for a wide variety of types and conditions.

Check it out!
Yours, Anna, founder of FIVE