“Do I really need to wash my face?” (Asking for all of us running on fumes)

It’s 10:47 PM. The kids are finally asleep. You’re curled up on the couch in leggings you’ve worn since Tuesday, contemplating whether you can just slide straight into bed. You almost make it… until you catch a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror.

And there it is—that little voice:
Do I really need to wash my face tonight?

Oh friend, I’ve been there. Many, many times. And the honest answer?

Yes. You really do.

Even if you didn’t wear a stitch of makeup today. Even if you were mostly inside, just mommin’ hard or answering emails or refereeing sibling squabbles with a coffee in one hand and a granola bar in the other.

Here’s why:

Your skin picks up a lot more than just makeup throughout the day. Think environmental gunk—pollutants, allergens, bacteria, sweat, sunscreen, maybe even a few sticky toddler fingerprints. It all adds up. And when we don’t wash it away? We invite clogged pores, dullness, irritation, and those sneaky signs of aging that show up faster than we’d like.

But here’s the good news: your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, 10 steps long, or Instagram-worthy.

Just a good cleanse, morning and night, is a small, doable act of care that makes a big difference. It gives your skin a fresh start. It helps your products actually work. And it feels really, really good.

Looking for a gentle cleanser that respects your tired skin? I’m a big fan of this non-stripping gel cleanser that has just enough salicylic acid (converted from willow bark extract) to keep things clear without being too harsh. And for my minimalist mamas? These facial cleansing bars are a dream—simple, effective, and nourishing.

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight to start living a little healthier. Small steps count. Face-washing counts. You count.

So here’s your gentle reminder: You’re worth the two minutes it takes to wash the day off.
Need more real-life, no-pressure skincare tips? I’m just a product-loving, low-tox mom trying to age gracefully and get to bed on time. Join us in my community, Green Beauty and Beyond, where we talk all things clean beauty, simple swaps, and encouraging each other to take the next right step.