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To Wash or Not to Wash: Deciding When to Cleanse Your Face

Washing your face is a crucial part of any skincare routine. Not only does it remove dirt, oil, and impurities, but it also preps your skin for treatments and moisturizers. However, one question that often comes up is whether you should be washing your face before or after your shower. There are benefits to both, so it really comes down to listening to your unique skin needs.

The Case for Washing Your Face Before Showering

There are a few reasons why cleansing your skin before hopping in the shower makes sense:

• It allows you to remove surface impurities and pollution that have accumulated throughout the day or night.
• Washing with lukewarm water opens up pores and softens skin, allowing your shower cleanser to penetrate better.
• It prevents residue, makeup, or sunscreen from mixing with shampoo and body wash, which could clog pores.
• Some skin types tend to dry out with prolonged water exposure, so pre-shower washing protects the natural moisture barrier.

Dermatologists generally recommend washing your face twice a day at a minimum. So for many people, an AM pre-shower cleanse checks one box off that list.

The Argument for Post-Shower Cleansing

On the other hand, there are also some advantages to saving your face wash for after showering:

• The steam and warmth from the shower softens skin and opens pores to release dirt and oil.
• Waiting prevents cleanser from being rinsed away too quickly before it has time to work.
• It allows you to avoid dryness or irritation that can occur from excess washing.
• The shower water preps skin for a closer, more comfortable shave if needed.

Since showers are often done first thing in the morning or before bed, post-shower cleansing becomes another easy way to get one of those daily face washes checked off.

Other Factors to Consider

When making the decision about when to wash your face, there are a few other factors that may impact your preferred time:

• Skin type - Sensitive or dry skin that doesn't tolerate frequent cleansing may do better washing after showering. Oily skin can benefit from pre-shower cleansing to prevent buildup.
• Climate - Humid summer weather may warrant an additional wash to remove sweat and excess oil. Cold dry winters may require limited washing to avoid dryness.
• Hair routine - If you use hair products that can migrate onto your face, post-shower washing is best to remove any residues.
• Goals - If you want to prep skin for shaving in the shower, a pre-wash is ideal. For removing heavy makeup, a post-shower cleanse gives the steam time to melt it away.

Cleansing Once vs. Twice a Day

Dermatologists generally recommend washing your face twice daily - once in the morning and again before bed. This helps to:

• Remove oil, dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria that accumulate overnight.
• Eliminate pollutants, dirt, sweat, sebum, and more from your daytime activities.
• Prepare skin properly before applying skincare treatments and moisturizers.
• Prevent breakouts that can result from buildup of impurities in pores.

However, some people find that cleansing twice a day - especially in the AM and PM - can be too harsh for their skin and may lead to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. In that case, dermatologists typically recommend:

• Switching to a more gentle, hydrating cleanser without fragrances or soap.
• Reducing washing to once per day, ideally before bed to remove the day's dirt and oil.
• Rinsing skin with only lukewarm water rather than cleanser in the morning.
• Applying a rich moisturizer immediately after cleansing to restore hydration.

Daily Showering: How Often is Enough?

When it comes to showering and bathing, dermatologists generally recommend the following guidelines:

• Shower once daily for most people, either in the morning or before bed.
• Limit showers to 10 minutes or less with warm but not hot water.
• Use a gentle cleanser without dyes, fragrance, or soap which can strip natural oils.
• Alternate showers with baths to give skin a break from water exposure and dryness.
• Bathe children every 1-2 days unless visibly soiled - excessive washing dries young skin.
• As you age, reduce showers to every other day since elderly skin is vulnerable to dryness.

While daily showers are typically recommended for good hygiene, cleansing too frequently can disrupt the skin's microbiome and protective barriers. This allows moisture to escape and makes skin prone to irritation, cracking, infection, and inflammation. So for face and body washing, balance is key for optimal health.

Finding the Right Face Washing Routine for Your Skin Type

Now that we've explored the pros and cons of washing your face both before and after showering, you might be wondering - when should I be cleansing for my specific needs?

Here are some general tips that can help you decide the best approach based on your skin type and concerns:

For Normal or Combination Skin

• AM cleanse is optional unless wearing heavy creams or makeup overnight.
• When AM cleansing, opt for either pre- or post-shower depending on preference.
• PM cleansing is a must to remove daily buildup.
• Cleanse after shower at night to capitalize on steam and warmth.

For Dry Skin

• Limit cleansing to PM only, after showering.
• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser without foaming agents or fragrance.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after washing face while skin is still damp.
• Use thicker, richer creams and ointments at night.

For Oily 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.