This is what happens when you stop washing your face

But even if washing your face is critical, there is a right way and a wrong way to wash because, as dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, explained to Byrdie, “The wrong cleanser can rub your skin barrier, leading to inflammation (or it may not do an effective enough job). Remember, the right cleanser for you may be very different from what your best friend is using.” It’s important that you find a skincare routine that works for your skin.

Dermatologist Kally Papantoniou told Prevention that there might be times when giving your face a splash with warm water is good enough, but not if you’re wearing makeup or have particularly oily skin. She does endorse a low-maintenance option, though: “I think it’s very logical to remove makeup and buildup of oils and bacteria in the evening [with a mild cleanser], and in the morning a gentle rinse with water should be enough to start the day,” she said.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of things you should stop doing to your skin, but washing your face isn’t one of them.