Can You Skip Washing Your Face If You Have Dry Skin?

When you have dry skin you may be tempted to forgo face washing in the hopes that it will prevent any further drying. But according to Dr. Zeichner, that’s not the right way to deal with a dry complexion either.

“Having dry or sensitive skin does not mean that you can’t wash your face twice a day,” he says. “You just may need to choose the right cleanser for your skin needs. For people who are dry, cleansing lotions, balms, oil, or micellar water are a good option. They are gentle and provide hydrating benefits without disrupting the outer skin layer. Cleansing should remove dirt and oil from the outer skin layer without disrupting your skin barrier.”

Many no-rinse micellar options allow you to cleanse while on the go and remove traces of makeup, even waterproof formulas. They're perfect for double cleansing, too — use micellar water in the evening to remove makeup before you wash with a cream formula or gentle exfoliating cleanser.

Do You Need a Different Cleanser at Night?

Now that it’s established that you need to wash your face twice daily (and possibly double cleanse in the evening) without skipping any turns, you may be wondering if the type of products you’re using for each matter. Well, of course they do — what you’re cleansing with is just as important as keeping up your morning and nighttime skin care routines.

As per Dr. Zeichner, while you can theoretically use the same cleanser in the morning and the evening, the evening routine may require a deeper cleanse.

Since there’s usually not that much to remove in the morning if you wash your face at night, a hydrating or non-foaming cleanser will often suffice.

Source: L'Oréal