With all the skincare advice out there, it’s easy to think that more is better. More steps. More products. More cleansing. But sometimes, the simplest approach is actually the most effective, especially when it comes to washing your face.

If your skin feels tight, dry, or gets irritated easily, your routine might be doing too much. The truth is, most of us only need to wash our faces once a day, at night. That one thoughtful cleanse can help your skin stay calm, clear, and balanced. Especially if you’re managing conditions like eczema, rosacea, or adult acne, cutting back on washing can make a big difference.

Let’s talk about why this less-is-more approach works and how to do it right.

The Problem With Washing Too Much

It makes sense to want clean skin. But washing your face too often can actually mess with your skin’s natural balance.

Your skin produces oils that help keep it protected and hydrated. When you cleanse too frequently—especially with harsh or foaming cleansers—you strip away those helpful oils along with dirt and makeup. This can lead to dryness, breakouts, or that uncomfortable tight feeling.

Over time, overwashing can make your skin more sensitive and prone to flare-ups. And if you’re already dealing with things like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, too much cleansing can make symptoms worse.

Your skin’s barrier (the outermost layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out) plays a big role here. When that barrier is compromised, everything feels off. You might start using more products to fix the dryness or irritation, when really, your skin just needs a little less.

Why Nighttime Cleansing Is Enough

Here’s the good news: one gentle cleanse at night is usually all your skin needs.

Throughout the day, your skin collects makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and pollution. Washing your face in the evening gives you a fresh start, clears away buildup, and lets your skin breathe overnight. It also preps your skin to absorb your nighttime skincare more effectively.

Our skin naturally shifts into repair mode while we sleep, so it’s the perfect time to let it reset. A clean canvas makes that process easier.

We recommend using a cleanser that’s kind to your skin barrier—like our fermented tallow cleanser. Tallow is incredibly skin-compatible, meaning it helps nourish the barrier instead of stripping it. And thanks to gentle beta hydroxy acids, it lightly exfoliates without irritation. It’s ideal for sensitive or reactive skin (we know because we’ve been there).

So yes, one good cleanse really can go a long way.

What About the Morning?

If you’ve cleansed the night before, there’s no need to deep-clean again in the morning. Your skin hasn’t picked up much overnight, and it benefits from keeping some of its natural oils intact.

A gentle refresh is usually enough. Try splashing your face with lukewarm water, misting with a hydrating toner, or just applying moisturizer and SPF to start your day. It’s all about keeping your barrier strong and happy!

Our Bio Lipids Moisturizer + SPF 30 is a great morning option. It blends skin-friendly tallow with niacinamide and physical sunscreen, so you’re getting hydration, calming support, and protection—all in one step.

Trust the Simpler Routine

The idea that we need to scrub our skin into submission is outdated. Your skin knows what it’s doing. Most of the time, it just needs a little help, not a total overhaul.

So if your current routine feels overwhelming, or your skin is acting up despite your best efforts, try this: wash your face once a day, at night. Use a gentle, barrier-supportive cleanser. In the morning, keep things light and hydrating.

Your skin will thank you for the breathing room!