Before we get into the polarising skin care advice that Salma Hayek has recently dished out, let’s first agree on one thing: this woman has impeccable skin. So, whether or not you’re a firm believer that what she’s saying is complete and total blasphemy (we’re being dramatic today), there’s no question that it’s most certainly working for her.
Now, as we always say when it comes to a skin care routine, what works for your best friend, sister or colleague isn’t necessarily going to be the best solution for you. We’ve all got vastly different skin types and concerns, so it’s best to tailor your routine based on your personal requirements and needs.
With this in mind, why has Salma’s personal routine caused such a stir?
Well, it essentially goes against one of the most basic foundations of a good skin care routine. And that is? Cleansing your face both morning and night.
What is Salma Hayek’s skin care advice that has everyone divided?
During a recent interview posted to GQ‘s YouTube channel, Salma responded to a fan Tweet which read: “what is Salma Hayek’s skin care routine? That woman is in her 50s and looks amazing.”
Well, they’re not wrong about that. Salma’s response, however? It wasn’t met with quite the same reception.
“My grandmother taught me never to wash my face in the morning,” she said. Anticipating the reaction from viewers, Salma followed this advice with “it’s not disgusting guys.”
“What happens at night is that your skin produces all the oils that your skin needs to look youthful, it regenerates,” she explained.
According to Salma, the perfect routine involves a thorough cleanse at night, without undoing it all come sunrise. “Don’t wash the hard work of your skin [away] in the morning,” she said.
What do the experts think of Salma’s skin care advice?
As suspected, there’s a compelling case for washing your face in the morning. Whether that’s a full-blown cleanse or just a rinse with water, the experts believe it’s a necessary step to keep your face clean, no matter your skin type.
“Your skin can either be oily, dry, normal or acne-prone. Based on your skin type, your skin will react in the morning,” senior product and research manager of Fixderma, Vipin Sharma told HealthShots.
“Oily skin will wake up to a lot of sebum and grease in the morning,” he added. “Dry skin will wake up dehydrated unless moisturised at night and so on.”
It’s equally as important to properly remove residual nighttime serums such as retinol which are known to trigger sun sensitivities when worn during the day.
On top of this, as we’re in the depths of Summer here in Australia, warmer temperatures mean we’re more prone to sweating overnight. For this reason, rinsing away built-up oils and bacteria from our pillowcase is essential to avoid breakouts and irritation.
As for the rest of our routine? A clean base is crucial for a smooth application of our morning serums and makeup.
Our opinion? We’re firmly in the morning cleanse camp. However, it’s a personal preference and we can’t lie, Salma’s complexion makes a solid case for skipping it altogether…
Worried about stripping the nourishing oils from the night before? We recommend incorporating a gentle cleanser like the Paula’s Choice Ultra-Gentle Cleanser ($32, Paula’s Choice) to hydrate and replenish the skin’s microbiome as you gently wash away impurities and soothe lingering irritation.
What do you think of Salma’s cleansing routine? Do you cleanse your face in the morning?
I doubt that will work for everyone, especially if you have oily skin.
If you have oily skin it is probably a no no not to wash in the morning
My thoughts exactly, I can barely handle my skin with two washes (morning and night)
Firstly I think Salma won the genetic jackpot when it comes to her skin. She has always looked fab.
I personally only rinse my skin in the morning. When I was younger sure I did the cleanse, tone, moisturise but not these days.
It doesn’t hurt to experiment and Salma’s skin looks fantastic for not washing in the morning is not doing her harm
For my skin type I have to wash my face in the morning
It depends on the time of the year, I cleanse in the morning in the warmer months because I am sweaty in the morning. In the cooler months my skin is much drier and a warm muslin cloth is enough.
My facial skin is happier the less I do to it apart from applying moisturiser.
I can understand her stance. Our body produces oils that act as barriers to protect the skin and washing them off can be counterproductive. On the other hand, products that contain say retinol should be washed off in the morning to avoid exposure to sun/light. She has great skin so her grandmother’s advice is working for her.
yes she probably doesn’t use retinol . She does have lovely skin
It depends on your skin type and what you’ve used the night before. I have dry skin so I don’t feel the need to wash my face in the morning
Yeah I wouldn’t be keen not to wash my face in the morning.
I’m blemish-prone, so I battle to keep the zits at bay. I’m a morning cleanser.
I usually give my skin a quick splash of water and a good rub before applying moistureriser.
She is rich. Married to a rich man. Of course she has immaculate skin. She likely has treatments all the time. Whether you want to wash your face is up to you and also dependent on your skin type. I definitely have to wash off actives I have applied overnight.
Yeah, but just a bit of warm water. To wash off the night moisturizer layer off. When I use only natural oils, then nothing. As it becomes skin. But creams lay on top and need to take the old lyer off
I never cleanse in the morning. Just a simple wash with water. This is mostly out of laziness lol
Ha Ha -good on you and if you are like Salma it works for you
When you think about it, it makes sense, but guess it is only okay for the days you are staying home. I try to just use a splash of water and not wash too hard.
I workout in the morning and then cleanse.
I cleanse morning and night however not cleaning in the morning certainly works for Salma
Sometimes I just use a face wipe in the morning – just to make it easier but also because I just want to add a facemask after on a sunday morning.
I don’t wash my face in the morning either
If it works for you it must be right for your skin
Yes I have to. My pores often have oil in them in the mornings.
It would depend on what works best for the individual, but I do cleanse in the morning.
Wow, I can see why this advice has the internet divided. I love washing my face in the morning, I feel so refreshed afterwards
Yes as long a syou remove surface skin oils
Guess it works for Selma but it wouldn’t work for everyone, I cleanse my face thoroughly at night, but still like to rinse it off in the shower.
I agree with Salma! I have oily skin and don’t cleanse in the morning. I find my skin is not as dehydrated and oily.
I have never cleansed my face in the morning. I am a mature lady and my skin is in extremely good condition and people often comment how lovely it is. I am sure it is just a way for the companies who manufacture these products to make you use more so you then have to purchase them more regularly. Think about it.
I Wish I could cleanse my face in the morning, I’m always rushing during the weekdays because I choose to sleep
a morning face wash wakes me up so I’ll keep doing it
I can’t stay without washing my face in the morning.
I consciously do a lighter cleanse in the morning, but I do cleanse.
My skin is very different to hers!
If it works for your skin go with it.