Then there's the hot water that feels great on your body but can strip your skin of essentials nutrients, drying it out. For these reasons, it's way better to wait until you step out of the shower to wash your face.
The main reason why you should not wash your face in the shower is because the water used for bathing is typically much hotter, according to a dermatologist from Chicago. Though after a tough workout it might feel good but hot water is very damaging for facial skin and can cause irritation.
So unless you're laundering your wash cloth daily, chances are you're spreading germs over your face every time you cleanse. That's not the only issue. Using a wash cloth can also cause friction and irritation if you're prone to skin conditions like rosacea, acne or eczema.
It all comes down to several basic rules of thumb: use a product that's appropriate for your skin and cleaning needs, wash your entire body (even between your toes) once per day, put your loofah or washcloth in a place where it can dry completely, don't use too much soap, wash with water that isn't too hot, and stick ...
Pat, don't rub. Pat, don't rub. Say it until it sinks in. Once you've washed your face with a pH-balanced cleanser (not soap), using lukewarm water (not hot) and gentle circular motions...don't choke in the final hour by breaking your skin's elastin with a rough towel and aggressive dry-down.
Wash your face last
"It's best to wash your face as the last step when you're in the shower," she says, "to help rinse away any residue or buildup that can occur with shampoo, conditioner, or other products that may be used in the shower, which can otherwise contribute to breakouts and irritation."
Washing your face several times a day can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. What to do instead: Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You'll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat. Dry out your skin.
Acne isn't caused by neglecting to wash your face. Other factors, like bacteria or changing hormones, cause this skin condition. Yet regular cleansing is a key step in your acne treatment routine.
According to the Melbourne-based dermatologist, starting your skincare routine in the shower has a raft of benefits including time-saving convenience. As Armour says, you're taking a shower anyway, might as well combine it with your skincare regimen.
In general, showering every other day or every few days is enough for most people. Keep in mind that showering twice a day or frequently taking hot or long showers can strip your skin of important oils. This can lead to dry, itchy skin.
It's important to cleanse your skin both morning and night. However, Dr. Zeichner does emphasize the importance of never skipping a night wash more than skipping a morning face washing session. “Best practice is to wash your face twice daily,” he explains.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
If you're planning to wash your face, it's better to consider waiting until you're done showering if you want the best results. Even without the dirt and products from your hair getting into your pores, the hot water can strip the nutrients out of your skin, leading it to dry out over time.
It's not necessary to wash your face with a cleanser every morning. Rinsing with lukewarm water will likely be sufficient. However, depending on your skin condition and your nighttime skincare routine, it can be beneficial to wash it with a suitable cleanser.
A perfectly warm water temperature, on the other hand, has several benefits: it can improve blood circulation to the skin, which can contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion. Improved circulation can also help reduce inflammation and swelling of the skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Dr. Chwalek still recommends that her clients wash their face at least once a day with a gentle cleanser, preferably at night (when your face is coated with a day's worth of dirt). "Not washing your face could cause the buildup of oil and dirt that may lead to acne, more prominent pores, and inflammation," she says.
That said, like anything in health, what you do most of the time matters most. If you skip a day of face washing because you're not feeling well, had an especially late night, or just forgot, it's okay. You have not ruined your skin. And you probably won't notice a thing.
In general, you should be cleansing your face at least twice a day. “You should wash your face both morning and night because the skin creates sebum and oil throughout the day,” says Saya Obayah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist located in Austin, Texas.