Morning cleansing: water only or cleanser? Even in Korea, opinions are divided on this topic
Many people say that if you cleanse thoroughly at night, water or lukewarm water alone is enough in the morning. On the other hand, people with oily skin or those who use a rich cream at night are more likely to prefer cleanser.
Morning cleansing
- Water only
- Best suited for
- Dry or sensitive skin, or people with a light nighttime routine
- Mildly acidic cleanser
- Best suited for
- Combination skin, or people who use plenty of cream at night
- Foaming cleanser
- Best suited for
- Oily skin, or people concerned about morning shine
| Type | Best suited for |
|---|---|
| Water only | Dry or sensitive skin, or people with a light nighttime routine |
| Mildly acidic cleanser | Combination skin, or people who use plenty of cream at night |
| Foaming cleanser | Oily skin, or people concerned about morning shine |
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Rather than there being one right answer, it’s more practical to choose based on how your skin feels in the morning. If you use a light moisturizer at night and don’t notice any greasiness or film-like feeling when you wake up, it’s worth trying lukewarm water alone. Avoid hot water; simply rinsing without rubbing is enough.
On days when you sweat in your sleep, have more oil, or use a rich cream or Vaseline at night, using a small amount of a gentle cleanser for just a short time may leave your skin feeling fresher. If your skin feels tight after washing, reduce how often you use it or switch back to rinsing with water and adjust from there. Wiping toner can increase friction, so if you make it part of your morning routine, just press the cotton pad against your skin gently.
This is something people in Korea also differ on depending on the season and skin type. It seems best to try adjusting based on how oily or tight your skin feels for a week. Do you change your routine with the seasons?