Somewhere along the way - probably between an ad, a blog, and an instagram reel - “cleanse twice a day” became a skincare commandment. Morning cleanse. Night cleanse. Thou shalt not question it.
But more cleansing isn’t always better (especially if your skin is dry, sensitive or reactive) and it can do more harm than good.
At Woohoo, we’re all about doing less but doing it well. Sometimes your skin doesn’t need another scrub-a-dub, it just needs a gentle hug 🙂
How Cleansing Twice a Day Became the Gold Standard
If you’re wearing heavy makeup, thick sunscreen, live in a humid climate, work out daily, or have very oily skin, cleansing twice a day can help keep things feeling fresh and balanced. For some people, it works beautifully and their skin loves it.
But skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all.
For many of us, especially those with drier or more sensitive skin, twice-daily cleansing can be a bit like over-washing your favourite jumper. Eventually, it stops feeling soft and starts feeling a little worn out.
When ‘Clean’ Starts to Feel Uncomfortable
Your skin has a natural protective barrier made up of oils, lipids and good bacteria that help keep moisture in and the baddies out. When you cleanse too often, or with products that are a little too enthusiastic, your barrier can become compromised.
If your skin ever feels:
- tight or squeaky after cleansing
- itchy, irritated or easily flushed
- dry no matter how much moisturiser you apply
- suddenly more sensitive or prone to breakouts
…it’s often a sign that your skin barrier needs a breather.
None of this means your skin is “broken” - it’s usually just asking for a little less interference.
Over-cleansing can wash away the good stuff your skin relies on to stay calm, hydrated and happy, leaving it feeling exposed and a bit cranky. And ironically, that can sometimes lead to more breakouts, not fewer.
The Woohoo Way: Less, But Better
At Woohoo, we’re big believers in simplicity done properly. For a lot of people, a gentle cleanse at night is all their skin really needs. It clears away makeup, sunscreen, sweat and the general build-up of the day so your skin can reset overnight.
In the morning? Things can be much simpler.
If your skin feels comfortable when you wake up, a splash of water or a very light cleanse can be plenty. This isn’t about following strict rules or being lazy with your skincare routine. It’s about tuning in and responding to what your skin is actually needing, which is always more helpful than blindly following trends.
So… Should You Cleanse Once or Twice?
Here’s what we suggest:
- At night: Cleansing is always a good idea, especially if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen.
- In the morning: Optional, skip if your skin feels dry or sensitive
- If your skin feels happier doing less: That’s your answer
Remember… skincare doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes, giving your skin a little break, a little kindness and a little less interference is exactly what it’s been asking for all along 🙂
And if you are in the market for a new cleanser, we’ve made a few gentle, no-fuss options that support your skin barrier rather than stripping it bare.
No drama. No squeaky-clean nonsense. Just comfy, happy skin.
