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Alex Cooper has just dropped an absolute bombshell about her skincare routine, and we needed to talk about it. In a recent interview with Vogue, the unabashed host of the wildly popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” admitted that she never washes her face! Like, ever!?
Famous for her unfiltered discussions on relationships and modern life, Alex’s rebellious take on skincare has set tongues wagging and sparked a frenzy among skincare aficionados (ourselves included). Despite the universal professional advice to cleanse regularly, Alex takes a much more minimalist approach to managing her oily skin and acne, boldly defying conventional norms.
“I have an honest thing to share with you right off the bat. I don’t wash my face,” she revealed in the video. “No, please don’t judge me. I just realised that like early on when I was breaking out a lot, my skin was super oily and it was confused, and I was struggling a lot with my skincare, and when I stopped washing my face, all of a sudden, I stopped having pimples.”
Although we love her for embracing the less-is-more mantra and challenging mainstream beauty ideals, surely a simple face cleanse is a non-negotiable part of any skincare ritual?
A nod to the humble cleanser
“Cleanser is so important!” says Douglas Pereira, who is a celebrity Dermal therapist and Cosmeceutical skincare formulator himself. “Depending on the type of cleanser you use, it can also really help treat skin conditions like acne and redness,” he adds.
And when it comes to the humble cleanser, you bet there’s a million choices to take your skin from drab to fab pretty quickly. “The correct cleanser can enhance your specific skin type, assist with balancing excessive oil production and support rehydrating dry skin,” says Douglas.
Mecca Max Melt Down Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, $28 at Mecca
Douglas Pereira Universal Skin Cleanser, $65 at Douglas Pereira
Glow Culture Skin Reset Biotic Gel Cleanser, $34 at Adore Beauty
Mukti Organics Hydrating Cleansing Lotion, $76 at Adore Beauty
Ok, but do we really need to be cleansing twice a day though?
“Absolutely,” says Douglas. Cleansing twice a day—morning and night—is like hitting Ctrl+Alt+Delete for your face. If you’re a lazy girl or have very dry or delicate skin, however, Douglas says that, at the bare minimum, we need to be fully cleansing our skin at night.
“The nighttime wash is basically the most important step when it comes to caring for your skin,” Douglas adds. It’s your chance to bid adieu to makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s drama, allowing your skin to relax, rejuvenate, and dream of clearer pores and smoother textures. In the morning, it’s the ultimate wake-up call, washing away overnight sweat and oil so you can face the day feeling fresh and fabulous. But remember, balance is key—your skin deserves to be treated as gently as your favourite cashmere sweater.
For cleansing newbies, what should we be investing in?
Choosing your first cleanser is like picking your squad for flawless skin—it’s gotta be gentle yet effective. Look for cleansers that scream “gentle” and “non-comedogenic” on the label—they’re the kind that won’t start drama with your pores or skin barrier.
Whether your skin’s a bit oily, Sahara-level dry, or somewhere in between, go for ones with hydrating heroes like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients don’t just clean; they also keep your skin’s moisture levels on point. Skip the mean girls of cleansers—sulfates and alcohol—as they can be too drying for a lot of skin types.
Foam or gel-based cleansers? They’re like the cool kids in skincare—they get along with almost everyone, leaving your face feeling fresh and ready to take on the day (or hit the pillow for some beauty sleep). “In addition to a cleanser, I am also a big advocate for micellar water before you perform your full-face cleansers,” says Douglas. “This type of product removes all the surface impurities and makeup so your cleanser can clean at a deeper and more effective level.”
Oh and it’s a helluva lot better for your skin than a makeup wipe!
What if our skin is acne-prone like Alex’s?
Alright, oily and acne-prone pals, let’s talk about the ultimate cleanse-off! When your skin’s throwing a party with excess oil and those pesky pimples, you need a cleanser that’s targeted. “Products that contain a low percentage of enzymes and lactic acid can help to eliminate the oils and gently exfoliate the topical dead skin cells whilst also cleaning out oily build up within the pores,” says Douglas. Other great ingredients to look out for include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser, $28 at Paula’s Choice
tbh Skincare No Scrubs Jelly Cleanser, $32.95 at Priceline
In conclusion, proper cleansing shouldn’t be a chore—it’s your skin’s secret weapon for staying healthy, clear, and glowing. By picking the right cleansers and sticking to a routine that suits your skin type, you’re not just washing away the day’s grime; you’re paving the way for a skincare regime that’s all about that radiant, confident you. So lather up, love your skin, and don’t skip this important step! EVER.
