Have no fear – we've done our share of research, and the answer is clear: post-shower is definitely the way to go. Sure, washing your face in the shower saves time but it can also do more harm than good – like, clogging pores with other products (gross) or drying out skin with hot water (ouch).
As a general rule, you should always do your skincare routine after shower. With the exception of toners and other alcohol-based products that can be applied to damp skin, applying skincare products while the pores are open is ideal because they absorb better into the skin.
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.
Do Wash Your Face Twice a Day. Zeichner typically recommends washing your face twice per day, in the morning and before bedtime. But going to bed with clean skin is a must.
A face wash's job is to remove deeper seated debris and also cleanse pores, thanks to its foaming action. If you're wearing a lot of makeup, or have been exposed to a lot of dust and pollution, it might be a good idea to use a cleanser first, before using a face wash.
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.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.
“Best practice is to wash your face twice daily,” he explains. “However, if you're going to skip one time, I tell my patients to skip washing in the morning. It's important to wash your face at the end of the day to remove dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and pollution that build up [over the course of the day].”
If you only clean your face with water in the morning, you will improve the condition of your skin and prevent problems such as premature aging or irritation. Plus, your money is better invested in a quality, natural moisturizer than in a variety of products designed to rebalance your skin after cleansing.
Lukewarm water is advisable to wash your face with, but cold water has its benefits, too. Cold water tightens the appearance of your skin, so it may make you look renewed and refreshed. It also helps boost your circulation, which can help give your skin a healthier appearance, albeit temporarily.
Cleansing After Shower
- Can Moisturize Immediately After: If you cleanse your skin over a sink you can rinse off and immediately apply moisturizer thereafter. The best practice is to apply moisturizer when skin is still damp.
If you're adding oils into the bathwater, you may want to shower afterwards to rinse the skin. Likewise if you've been exercising and are hot and sweaty or wear a lot of make-up a shower is likely to be more hygienic because you will be rinsing the sweat, dirt and makeup away rather than sitting in it," he says.
A common benefit of facial cleansing is the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells. Daily facial washing removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look.
Wash Your Face Before Showering if You're in a Hurry
The steam from the water will open up pores and soften dirt and makeup so that they come off more easily with the cleanser.
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 treatment needs time to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts. If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take two to three months or longer to see clearing.