Should You Wash Your Face in the Shower or After? Pros and Cons

Should You Wash Your Face in the Shower or After?

One of the most debated questions in skincare is whether it's better to wash your face in the shower or after getting out. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages for effectively removing dirt, oil, and impurities without irritating your skin.

The Case for Washing Your Face in the Shower

Washing your face while you're still in the shower can save time in your routine. The warm water helps open your pores and soften skin oils and debris. Lathering up your face wash while in the steamy environment can feel gentle and soothing.

Being able to rinse with constant warm water eliminates any dripping or mess at the sink. The shower stream can provide a light massage to stimulate circulation. Using products like cleansers, scrubs, masks, and exfoliators may be easier in the large shower space.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider with in-shower face washing:

• The water temperature may be too hot, causing irritation
• It's hard to see your face to fully remove makeup and dirt
• Excess minerals or chlorine in shower water can be drying
• Scrubs and exfoliators may be too harsh when skin is wet
• You can't smoothly apply leave-on products like serums or creams

The Case for Washing Your Face After Showering

Waiting until after your shower to cleanse your face allows you to avoid some potential downsides of in-shower washing. You have full control over the water temperature at the sink to prevent irritation.

Being able to see your face in the mirror helps remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Skin may be less sensitive when washed at the sink versus the hot shower. You also have more flexibility to use different cleansers, tools like cleansing brushes, and leave-on products.

However, there are also some cons with post-shower face washing:

• It extends the time of your full routine
• Your face could air dry and feel tight before cleansing
• Climbing into and out of the shower to wash at the sink can be inconvenient
• You may need to tie back or style wet hair before washing at the sink
• Any shower product residue may remain on skin until you cleanse

Tips for Washing Your Face in the Shower

If you choose to cleanse your skin while still in the steamy shower environment, follow these tips for the best results:

• Keep the water temperature lukewarm, not hot
• Use a non-abrasive sponge, flannel, or just your hands
• Avoid harsh scrubs or brushes that can cause microtears in skin
• Pick a hydrating, non-foaming cleanser to prevent stripping skin
• Focus on areas like the hairline, neck, and chest that collect residue
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water to close pores
• Pat skin partially dry before applying leave-on products

Tips for Washing Your Face After Showering

If you opt to cleanse your face once you've stepped out of the shower, keep these tips in mind:

• Shower with warm, not hot, water to avoid drying out your face
• Blot skin gently with a towel once out of the shower
• Use lukewarm water at the sink to prevent temperature shock
• Look closely in the mirror to remove all makeup and debris
• Use a soft washcloth in gentle circular motions
• Follow with appropriate serums, toners, creams, and SPF
• Be thorough but avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing

Choosing the Right Face Wash

The type of cleanser you use can make a difference in whether shower or sink washing works best. Some face washes to consider:

• Gel cleansers - Light, oil-free gels are ideal for washing in the shower.
• Creamy cleansers - Hydrating creams may rinse better at a sink.
• Micellar water - Gentle and rinse-free making it shower-friendly.
• Cleansing wipes - Single use wipes can substitute for full washing at a sink.
• Cleansing oils - Require warm water to rinse so work well in the shower.
• Foaming cleansers - Create a rich lather but can strip skin so limit shower use.

Caring for Your Skin Type

Consider your skin type and concerns when deciding on shower versus sink cleansing. Here are some tips:

• Dry skin - Opt for sink washing and hydrating cleansers.
• Oily skin - Can benefit from deep cleaning in the shower.
• Sensitive skin - Avoid hot water and use gentle cleansers.
• Mature skin - May prefer the humidity of shower washing.
• Acne-prone skin - exhibt better results cleansing after showering.
• Eczema-prone skin - Requires gentle cleansing either in shower or at sink.

Cleansing Tools and Techniques

Certain cleansing tools and techniques may factor into your face washing location preference:

• Hands - Washing with your hands allows precision cleaning both in and out of the shower.
• Washcloths - Provide light exfoliation but may be too rough for shower use.
• Cleansing brushes - Best to use facial cleansing brushes at the sink, not in the shower.
• Silicone scrubs - Gentle enough to use in the shower on skin softened by water.
• Steam - Shower steam helps open pores prior to cleansing.
• Facial massage - Easier to massage cleanser into skin at a sink than in the shower.

Ingredient and Product Considerations

The ingredients in your skincare products may provide benefits from either shower or sink cleansing:

• Clay masks - Rinse easily and thoroughly under the warm shower stream.
• Chemical exfoliants - Require being washed off fully so sink works best.
• Sheet masks - Shower steam helps serums absorb but apply masks after cleansing.
• Benzoyl peroxide - May bleach towels so wash off residual in the shower after cleansing.
• Retinols - Avoid getting in eyes so apply carefully at sink after washing face.
• Sunscreen - Requires thorough cleanser and water to fully remove so shower washing helps.

Creating an Effective Routine

When building your optimal skincare routine, consider these tips:

• Cleanse face as one of the first steps after showering or washing hair.
• Adjust water temperature as needed during shower and cleansing.
• Apply leave-on treatments before showering if washing face after.
• Keep a mirror in the shower to check thorough cleansing if washing face in shower.
• Have a comfortable place to sit and spread out products if washing up at sink.
• Cleanse face once in morning and once at night for best results.
• Follow cleansing with appropriate serums, moisturizers, and protection.

The Bottom Line

There are good arguments on both sides of whether to wash your face in the shower or after. Consider your particular skin type, sensitivities, cleansing preferences, and daily routine when deciding what works best for you.

Be sure to avoid damaging your skin barrier with excessive hot water or scrubbing. Taking the time to properly cleanse, treat, and moisturize your face twice a day will provide the most skincare benefits no matter where you choose to wash up!

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.