Dermatologist Reveals the Reason
While it’s desirable to cleanse every part of our body while showering, many experts agree that the face isn’t one of them. While warm showers can provide physical and emotional release, especially in winter, the fact remains that they can damage the skin. Hot water strips the skin of moisture, potentially leading to dry and compromised skin barriers. This means that if the shower water is too hot for your face, it’s too hot for your whole body.
“Your everyday shower water should be lukewarm, which is perfectly fine for your face, and if you want to take a steamy shower to relax, either reduce the temperature before washing your face or wash it outside the shower that day,” says dermatologist Elyse M. Love for Birdie.
While washing your face in the shower is convenient, preventing a complete mess over the sink and allowing multiple angles to properly cleanse the face and neck, you should pay attention to the products and techniques you use.ž
What’s the right face-washing technique?
Begin by dampening your face. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips and gently massage it into your face. Avoid pressing or any physical pressure. Let the cleanser work on your skin for about 20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. After cleansing, always apply a serum or moisturizer to retain moisture. If using soap and a washcloth, the technique is the same, but opt for a gentle cleansing cloth that’s not abrasive to the skin.
If you’re using a cleanser with active ingredients, you can enhance their effectiveness by leaving them on the skin a little longer. If washing your face in the shower, apply the cleanser, wash your body, and then rinse your face. If washing at the sink, apply the cleanser, brush your teeth, then rinse the cleanser, unless you’re among those who brush their teeth while showering.
Harsh soaps are also a common cause of dry skin and compromised skin barriers. Caring for body skin should mirror that of facial skin. This means using gentle cleansers that effectively remove sweat and dirt without stripping natural oils from both body and facial skin. Of course, your face might have distinct cosmetic concerns and a different budget for cleansing compared to the rest of your body. If that’s the case, keep a dedicated facial cleanser in the shower.
