Morning Skincare Dilemma: Should You Use a Cleanser?
This question still divides our industry into two camps: those who say yes, and those who say no. You're probably thinking, "I just washed my face at night, and all I did was sleep—so why would I need to wash it again in the morning?" Well… not so fast, friends.
Why would you consider cleansing in the morning?
Bedtime may be when we finally rest, but our skin doesn’t clock out. Overnight, skin cells go into repair mode, which can lead to the buildup of oil (sebum), sweat, dead skin, and even product residue from your nighttime routine. That’s why we believe starting your morning skincare with a proper face wash matters. And yes, we mean using actual products and not just water.
Remove overnight buildup
Even if you don’t have oily skin, you might still wake up with a shiny T-zone. That’s because overnight transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—when your skin loses moisture while you sleep—can trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate. If your moisture barrier isn’t functioning well, this water loss increases, leading to more oil production and sometimes clogged pores.
On top of that, pillowcases can trap bacteria, dust, and free radicals, which can transfer to your face overnight. That mix of excess oil, sweat, product residue, and environmental buildup isn’t something you want to layer your hyaluronic acid or vitamin C serum over.
If you use retinol at night
Active retinol absorbs into the skin within 20 to 30 minutes after application, so your morning cleanse won’t remove it. The goal in the morning isn’t to wash off the retinol. It’s to remove everything else that may be sitting on your skin.
This can be excess oil, dry skin buildup, product residue from the night before, and dead skin cells. Cleansing in the morning helps prepare the skin for your daytime routine and supports glowing skin throughout the day.
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What to consider when using cleanser in your morning skincare routine
It’s less about whether to cleanse and more about what kind of cleanser you’re using. This choice should reflect your unique skin type, daily routine, lifestyle, and environment.
Your individual skin type
Cleansing should reflect your skin type. If you have dry skin, you should use a creamy, non-stripping cleanser in the morning. If your skin still feels tight after cleansing, it might not be the product—it could be the water.
In cities like New York, tap water can be full of chlorine or minerals that throw off your skin’s pH. That’s where a pH-balancing toner can help bring things back into balance.
Oily or combination skin should also be cleansed gently in the morning. A low-foam cleanser, like the Low Foam Cleanser from Environ, is usually the best choice. Save stronger, more active formulas—like those with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—for the evening.
Personal lifestyle factors
If you’re someone who exercises in the morning, or shares your bed with pets (hello, dog hair!), or simply sweats during the night, a morning cleanse is non-negotiable. Even stress, diet, and air quality can influence how your skin behaves overnight. Your lifestyle matters when deciding what your skin needs each morning.
The skincare products you use
If your nighttime routine includes rich occlusive creams, face oils, or retinoids, you’ll want to cleanse in the morning to prevent clogged pores or breakouts. Our favorite approach? At night, use an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover as your first cleanse to dissolve SPF and makeup.
Follow this with a water-based cleanser to clear any lingering residue. In the morning, reach for something light that refreshes the skin without compromising your moisture barrier.
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What type of cleansers are best for morning skincare?
Non-foaming gel cleansers
These are ideal for normal to oily skin types. They help remove excess oil without disrupting the skin's natural moisture balance. We love Environ’s Low Foam Cleanser—it’s gentle, hydrating, and perfect for everyday use.
Cream cleansers
These are our go-to for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin. Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion is not only a favorite of ours, but it’s beloved by celebrities too. Pair it with the Botanical Infused Moisturising Toner for a boost of hydration and skin barrier support.
Oil cleansers
While oil cleansers are often seen as makeup removers, they do more than that. They help dissolve excess sebum and clear pores without disrupting your natural oils. We typically recommend using them at night.
However, if your skin is feeling congested in the morning, a quick oil cleanse followed by a water-based cleanser can work wonders. Our clients love a combo of Environ’s Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil and Hydrating Clay Masque for a thorough double cleanse.
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So, what’s the verdict? We recommend washing your face in the morning with intention and with the right products. Cleansing properly supports everything else you apply, from serums to moisturizers to SPF.
Still not sure which cleanser fits your skin’s needs? Reach out to us or browse our curated product selection on our website. We’re here to help you find what works—for your skin, your lifestyle, and your glow!