Washing your face in the shower may seem convenient, but it can actually do more harm than good for your skin. Here are some of the main reasons why it’s better to wash your face separately from your shower:
The water temperature is often too hot
Showers tend to use hotter water than what is ideal for your face. Water that is too hot can strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt your skin’s protective barrier. This can leave your skin feeling tight, dry and irritated. It may also make your complexion look red and flushed.
Washing with lukewarm or cool water is gentler on your facial skin and helps preserve its moisture.
You’re not able to concentrate on your face
In the shower, most of your focus is on washing your body. It’s unlikely you’re taking the time to gently cleanse your face and properly massage products in.
Rushing through washing your face means you won’t fully remove makeup, dirt, oil and impurities from your pores. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts over time.
There’s product crossover
When you wash your face and body at the same time, it’s easy for product crossover to happen. The residues from your body wash, shampoo and conditioner can end up on your face. This can irritate your facial skin and clog pores.
It’s best to only use products formulated for your face. Washing your face separately avoids contact between your facial skin and harsh body products.
The benefits of washing your face separately
Washing your face apart from your shower has some advantages for your skin:
You can use lukewarm water
Lukewarm water is ideal for washing your face. It’s not too hot or too cold. It opens pores gently and rinses cleanly without drying out your skin.
Very hot water should always be avoided as it dehydrates and damages facial skin. Washing your face separately makes it easier to use a comfortable, lukewarm temperature.
You can take your time
Cleansing your face properly takes a bit of time. When washing your face on its own, you can gently massage your cleanser in for 60 seconds or more to dissolve dirt, oil and makeup.
You can also take time to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residues behind. Quickly splashing water on your face in the shower won’t give you a deep clean.
You can use the right products
Having a dedicated facial cleansing routine allows you to use products formulated for your unique skin needs. For example, you may use a delicate gel cleanser followed by a mild, hydrating toner.
Your face can benefit from different cleansers, serums and lotions than the rest of your body. Washing it separately ensures specialised care.
Tips for an effective facial cleansing routine
Here are some tips for washing your face safely and effectively outside of the shower:
1. Start with lukewarm water
Splash your face with lukewarm water to wet your skin and open pores. Check the temperature on your wrist first to ensure it’s not too hot.
2. Lather up a facial cleanser
Dispense a small amount of a gentle cleanser made for your face. Avoid harsh soaps. Gently massage the cleanser into your damp skin for 60-90 seconds.
3. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse your face with lukewarm water until it feels clean and there is no visible product left behind. Pat dry gently with a soft towel.
4. Follow with skincare products
After cleansing, apply any skincare products such as toners, serums and moisturisers that are part of your routine. This helps nourish and protect your skin.
5. Do it twice daily
Aim to wash your face separately from your shower both morning and evening. This regularly removes dirt, oil and germs from your skin.
How to fit facial cleansing into your routine
Finding time for proper facial cleansing may seem difficult when you already have a packed schedule. Here are some tips to seamlessly incorporate face washing into your day:
Morning
– Wake up 5-10 minutes earlier to cleanse your face before showering
– Cleanse after your shower instead of in it
– Wash your face while drinking your coffee or making breakfast
Evening
– Cleanse your face right before your evening shower
– Designate relaxing face washing time after work or before bed
– Remove makeup first, then cleanse to finish the job
Set up a space
Having a dedicated area for face washing helps. This could be at your bathroom or bedroom sink. Keep your skincare products together in one place.
Schedule reminders
Set morning and evening phone alerts to remember your face washing routine. This builds the habit over time.
The benefits of regular facial cleansing
Consistently washing your face with the proper technique and products provides many benefits for your complexion and skin’s health.
Removes dirt and oil
Daily washing removes accumulated grime, makeup, sunscreen, pollutants and excess oil that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Prevents acne
Thorough cleansing helps prevent acne by eliminating acne-causing impurities from the skin surface and pores.
Creates radiance
Getting rid of dead skin cells and surface debris makes your skin look more fresh, glowing and vibrant.
Minimizes pores
Pores can appear smaller when you regularly wash away debris. This gives you a smoother, flawless appearance.
Hydrates skin
Washing with the right cleansers and moisturising after leaves your skin optimally hydrated. This promotes a more youthful complexion.
Balances oil
Your skin finds a healthier oil balance when cleansed regularly. If you overclean dry skin, it can actually overproduce oil.
Prevents aging
Gentle cleansing helps your skin renew itself faster for a more youthful appearance as you age.
The right facial cleansing products to use
Using suitable products for your individual skin type is key to getting the most from your cleansing routine. Consider your skin concerns and needs when selecting face washes, scrubs, tools and more.
For normal skin
– Gel or cream cleansers
– Exfoliating scrubs 2-3 times per week
– Soft microfiber cloths
For dry skin
– Hydrating oil or creamy cleansers
– Gentle exfoliators up to 2 times per week
– Soft cotton pads or muslin cloths
For oily or acne-prone skin
– Clarifying or foaming cleansers
– Salicylic acid or charcoal exfoliators
– Sonic cleansing brushes
– Exfoliating pads with AHA/BHA acids
For sensitive skin
– Soothing milk or gel cleansers
– Exfoliating pads with gentler acids
– Ultra-soft cotton cloths or towels
– Silicone facial brushes
No matter your skin type, look for cleansers that are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and pH balanced. Harsh soaps and scrubs should be avoided.
How to prepare your skin before cleansing
You can optimize your facial cleansing routine by properly preparing your skin beforehand. Here are some tips:
Remove makeup first
Use a dedicated makeup remover or cleansing oil before washing to dissolve makeup and sunscreen. This prevents scrubbing at your skin.
Steam your face
Splash with warm water or hold a warm, damp towel on your face to open pores before cleansing. Do not steam too vigorously.
Exfoliate ahead
Gently slough away dead skin cells 1-2 times per week with a scrub or acids before cleansing. This deep cleans pores.
Use a tool
Facial cleansing brushes with soft silicone heads boost circulation before washing. Do not use harsh devices.
Common mistakes to avoid
It’s important to assess your current face washing techniques and products to avoid these common missteps:
Using harsh scrubs
Harsh particles in some exfoliating scrubs can cause microtears. Stick to gentle options suitable for the delicate facial skin.
Over-washing
Excessive washing and scrubbing can actually increase oil production and dryness. Keep it to twice daily at most.
Reusing towels
Using the same dirty towel transfers bacteria back to your clean face. Use a fresh, soft cloth each time.
Ignoring your skin type
Using products unsuited to your skin causes irritation, dryness or breakouts. Know your skin’s needs.
Relying on water only
Water alone cannot dissolve all impurities. Use the right facial cleansers for your skin type as part of washing.
Forgetting your neck
Cleansing your neck area prevents breakouts and keeps your complexion cohesive. Don’t just focus on your face.
Other key parts of an effective skincare routine
A proper facial cleansing routine is just one part of complete skincare. Be sure to include these other steps:
1. Toning after cleansing
Toner balances your skin’s pH after washing. Look for soothing, hydrating toners with ingredients like aloe vera or rosewater.
2. Applying serums and treatments
Serums deliver concentrated doses of vitamins, antioxidants and hydration into your skin after toning. Use targeted serums for your concerns like dark spots, fine lines or acne.
3. Nourishing with moisturizer
Gently massage your face with an oil-free facial moisturizer after serums absorb. This seals in hydration and creates a protective barrier.
4. Using sunscreen
As the final step before sun exposure, apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 or greater sunscreen. Reapply every two hours outdoors.
This well-rounded skincare routine works together to reveal healthy, radiant skin.
Conclusion
Washing your face in the shower may seem like a convenient way to multitask, but it actually shortchanges your skin. The hot water temperature, rushed washing, lack of proper products and contact with body washes in the shower can harm your facial skin and lead to issues like dryness, sensitivity and acne over time.
Your skin will reap more benefits when you take the time to cleanse properly at the sink with lukewarm water and specialized products suited to your skin type. A deliberate, attentive facial cleansing routine, performed twice a day, leaves your skin fresh, balanced and glowing. Making small adjustments to your schedule can help you fit in proper face washing in the morning and evening. Pair your cleansing routine with additional steps like toning, serums, moisturizers and sunscreen for optimal skin health and beauty.