When Should You Wash Your Face - Before or After a Shower?
Figuring out the best time to wash your face is an important part of any skincare routine. Should you cleanse your face before hopping in the shower or after? There are benefits to both, so read on to learn when dermatologists recommend washing your face.
Benefits of Washing Face Before Showering
Here are some potential advantages to washing your face before showering:
- Removes dirt, oil and product buildup from the day
- Prevents clogged pores from dirt rinsing down in shower
- Cleans out pores so they can absorb moisture in shower
- Allows shower water to rinse cleanser residue from face
- Gives cleanser time to penetrate skin before showering
Using a facial cleanser before showering ensures a deep clean for your skin. It washes away impurities so your face is fresh and ready to absorb moisture from the shower.
Benefits of Washing Face After Showering
Washing your face after showering also has some advantages:
- Opens pores with warm water so can cleanse deeply
- Avoids drying out skin by cleansing after shower moisture
- Allows cleansing when skin is warm and receptive
- Can rinse off any residue from hair products
- Prevents water evaporating before applying products
The warm water and steam from showering helps open your pores so you can wash away oils and impurities. Your skin is also more receptive to skincare products applied after showering.
10 Tips for an Effective Facial Cleansing Routine
Follow these simple tips from dermatologists for glowing skin and a successful face washing routine whether you cleanse before or after showering:
1. Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils leading to dryness. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face and rinse.
2. Make It Quick
Limit cleansing to 30-60 seconds. Too much scrubbing can cause irritation and inflammation.
3. Pat Dry Gently
After rinsing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing which can damage delicate facial skin.
4. Don't Over Cleanse
Cleanse just twice daily - once in the morning and evening before bed. Overwashing can disrupt your skin's moisture barrier.
5. Use a Non-Soap Cleanser
Avoid regular soap which tends to dry out skin. Opt for a mild, non-soap facial cleanser formulated for your skin type.
6. Don't Use Cleansing Tools
Tools like brushes, cloths and spinning face brushes can irritate and inflame. Use clean fingertips to gently massage cleanser into skin instead.
7. Rinse Thoroughly
Leave cleanser on too long and skin may become irritated. Rinse well with lukewarm water to remove all traces.
8. Apply Products Quickly
Once cleansed, pat dry then immediately apply toner, treatments and moisturizer. Doing so seals in hydration.
9. Clean Makeup Brushes
Prevent breakouts by regularly cleaning makeup brushes and sponges. Dirty applicators can harbor bacteria, oils and product buildup.
10. Change Towels Frequently
Using dirty towels and washcloths can transfer bacteria to your just-cleansed face. Change facial towels every few uses.
Selecting the Right Facial Cleanser
Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is key to getting the best results:
Normal or Combination Skin
Gel or cream cleansers help balance combination skin without over-drying. Look for ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera and chamomile.
Dry Skin
Creamy, moisturizing cleansers are ideal for dry skin. Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates. Choose oils, rich emulsions and balms.
Oily Skin
Foaming gel cleansers can deeply cleanse oily skin without heavy moisturizers that could clog pores. Seek oil-free formulas with salicylic acid.
Sensitive Skin
Look for soap-free cleansers free of fragrance, alcohol and acids. Gentle milky cleansers and cleansing oils are good sensitive skin options.
Additional Tips for Various Skin Issues
Acne-Prone Skin
- Use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
- Avoid oils which could clog pores
- Steam before cleansing to open pores
- Use a gentle touch - don't scrub inflamed skin
Mature Skin
- Choose a creamy, hydrating cleanser
- Use lukewarm water to avoid irritation
- Cleanse gently with fingertips to avoid tugging delicate skin
- Apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing
Eczema-Prone Skin
- Opt for a fragrance-free, soap-free cleanser
- Look for soothing ingredients like oats, aloe and chamomile
- Use minimal water and avoid rubbing inflamed skin
- Immediately apply moisturizer after cleansing
Common Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid
Be aware of these face washing mistakes that could lead to irritation and skin damage:
Using Harsh Soaps
Regular body soap tends to strip the natural oils from facial skin leaving it feeling tight and dry. Use a gentle cleanser formulated just for the face.
Excessive Scrubbing
Rubbing too hard while cleansing can cause redness and irritation. Be gentle and rub in a light circular motion for no more than 60 seconds.
Using Hot Water
Hot water can damage skin's natural moisture barrier leading to inflammation and dryness. Stick to lukewarm water instead.
Leaving Cleanser On Too Long
Don't let cleanser sit on your skin. Leaving soap on the face longer than needed can strip natural oils and upset skin's pH balance.
Not Removing Makeup First
Never cleanse skin without first removing makeup. Trying to wash away makeup with facial cleanser alone will leave residue behind.
Not Cleansing Properly at Night
Always do a full double cleanse in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen and daytime pollutants from skin.
How to Wash Your Face with Common Skin Conditions
Rosacea
- Use lukewarm water and limit cleansing to 30 seconds
- Opt for a soap-free, fragrance-free milk or gel cleanser
- Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing
- Blot skin dry instead of rubbing
Eczema
- Cleanse just once daily and briefly
- Use an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- Avoid foaming cleansers which may irritate
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
- Immediately apply moisturizer after cleansing
Acne
- Use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
- Cleanse twice daily for no more than 60 seconds
- Avoid scrubbing inflamed breakouts
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Follow with acne-fighting toner and spot treatment
Tailor your cleansing routine to your specific skin concerns for the best results. Be consistent but gentle to achieve clean, balanced skin.
The Takeaway
There's no universally right or wrong time to wash your face when it comes to before or after showering. Choose the order that fits best into your routine and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy.
The key is to be gentle, use lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly, and avoid excessive washing. Follow with moisturizer while skin is still damp to seal in hydration. Proper technique and finding cleansers suited for your skin will keep it looking radiant.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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