The Great Face Washing Debate: Should You Wash Your Face Before or After Showering?
When it comes to basic skincare, washing your face seems simple enough. But should you cleanse your skin before or after showering? The answer isn't always straightforward. Cleansing routines and shower habits vary widely based on individual needs and preferences.
Understanding the benefits of both approaches allows you to make an informed decision about proper order for your particular skin type. Read on to learn whether to lather up first or enjoy a steamy soak session before removing the day's dirt and impurities from your face.
The Case for Washing First
Dermatologists generally recommend cleansing your skin before entering the shower stall. By washing away pollutants, makeup, sebum, and dead skin cells beforehand, you ensure a deeper cleanse under the running water.
Starting with a clean canvas minimizes the time dirt, chemicals, and bacteria sit on your bare face. It prevents clogged pores and allows your cleanser's active ingredients direct access to your skin to work their magic.
Depending on your regime, a proper double cleanse is beneficial. Removing waterproof eye makeup with a dedicated eye makeup remover first softens the skin. Follow up with a gentle foaming or cream cleanser suited to your skin type to wash away remaining gunk.
Maximize Cleansing Under the Water
After hand washing or double cleansing, the steam and moisture generated in the shower help dislodge debris in pores for a revitalizing deep clean. The warm water softens skin so you can massage product over the face more easily.
Lather your regular facial cleanser with your fingertips using gentle circular motions. The steam liquefies hardened sebum while the physical exfoliation gently removes dead skin. Rinse thoroughly and continue showering as normal.
Cleansing first also prevents dilution of active ingredients in cleansers not formulated for wet skin. Water-resistant washes specifically designed for the shower do exist. But most facial cleansers require direct application to dry skin to work effectively.
Reasons to Wash After Bathing
While experts agree washing skin before bathing is ideal, for some people hitting the shower first offers distinct advantages. Hot showers feel therapeutic. And there are upsides to cleansing skin post-rinse as well.
Unwind with a Steam Session
After an exhausting day, enjoying some quiet time with a long soak under the hot spray seems infinitely more appealing than rushing through a perfunctory wash-and-rinse. Allowing tense muscles to unravel goes hand in hand with mental relaxation.
Taking time to steam your face helps hydrate parched complexions. Dry skin becomes softened and plumped after extended exposure to moisture to aid absorption of subsequent products. For those with severely dehydrated skin, this boost makes all the difference.
Address Skin Concerns with Masks
Using specialty treatment masks after showering potentiates ingredients while the skin remains warm and receptive. Simply smooth your chosen mask evenly over your face post-rinse, allow it to penetrate for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off.
Look for masks containing clays, charcoal, or sulfur to detoxify congested skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Brightening vitamin C masks refresh dull complexions. Hydrating formulas with hyaluronic acid drench thirsty skin with moisture.
Simplify Your Routine
Incorporating a proper cleansing routine before showering tacks on extra time to your daily ablutions. That little bit of added effort seems negligible at first. But trying to establish a lasting habit requires accountability some people lack.
If you struggle with consistency outside the shower, multitasking by swiping a face wash over your skin at the end ensures you remember to cleanse. Washing after conditioning your hair streamlines the process so it becomes an effortless add-on step.
For those short on time in the mornings, hitting two birds with one stone also quickens pace. Just be sure to select formulations specifically for wet skin use to avoid wasting product.
Tips for Making Either Method Work
People choose when to cleanse based on individual factors like skin type, specific problems, the state of their tattoo, daily schedule, energy levels, and personal preference. Maximizing efficacy requires fine tuning techniques to suit your needs.
1. Adjust Water Temperature as Needed
Extreme temperatures tend to damage facial skin. Many experts suggest rinsing with lukewarm water instead of scalding hot showers. If you prefer your showers steamy, limit face time under the direct spray.
Cooler temperatures reduce inflammation, keep capillaries happy, and lock in moisture content. Quick splashes of cold water right before hopping out also tighten pores. Use your own discretion to strike the ideal temp balance for your skin.
2. Pat Dry Thoroughly Post-Cleanse
Vigorously rubbing a towel over wet skin risks irritation and broken capillaries. Gently pat your complexion dry taking care around the delicate eye area. Air dry for a few additional minutes before applying other products if needed.
Letting masks or exfoliating washes settle allows key ingredients time to penetrate. Harsher buffing or quick makeup application immediately afterwards hinders absorption and reduces effectiveness of active components.
3. Moisturize Anytime Skin Feels Tight or Dry
One downside to washing face in the shower includes potential over-cleansing which strips away protective natural moisture. Combat any resulting tightness or dryness with an antioxidant-rich moisturizer to nourish skin, lock in hydration, and strengthen barrier function.
Seeking out lotions and creams with ceramides, plant oils, glycerin and hyaluronic acid ensures optimal reinforcement of lipid barriers responsible for bounce, suppleness and glow regardless of when you cleanse.
Listen to your skin’s needs. If daily washing leaves you flaky or parched, make adjustments. You may require additional moisturizing steps, gentler products without sulfates or soap, focusing on drier areas, or less frequent cleansing.
4. Disinfect Makeup Brushes Regularly
To avoid transferring bacteria and oils back to a freshly cleansed face, thoroughly disinfect makeup brushes once a week. Swirl bristles in clarifying brush shampoo, baby shampoo, or a mix of antimicrobial essential oils diluted in water.
Let them air dry completely before stroking them over freshly washed skin, whether cleansing pre- or post-shower. Proper tools hygiene enhances your skincare regimen’s effectiveness exponentially.
When establishing a suitable face washing timeline around your shower, heed your dermatologist’s advice and your skin's needs. Stay consistent for best results. With some trial and error, you’ll discover the optimal approach for healthy, radiant skin.
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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