Convenience: Something we all love and yearn for. But when your dry skin and compromised skin barrier is silently crying, are you still aiming for convenience or would you rather take an extra five minutes to comfort it?
To me, there’s nothing like taking time at the sink for my skincare. The act of exploring each step in its own time is so special to me, and it’s a space for me to be with me and my thoughts. With that being said, I truly believe skincare should stay at the sink for many reasons. And as everyone has personal preferences on how they cleanse, I’ll be educating you on why specifically washing your face in the shower can be damaging to your skin barrier with some tips to move forward. It’s a simple thing to change, but we’re creatures of habit. I stopped washing my face in the shower years ago before getting into skincare and my skin has benefited so much from that one change. With research and education, let’s get into it!
In general, you should always be cleansing with lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out your skin while cold water can shock it. If you have redness like myself, I’m okay with cool water at times, mostly in the morning. Fun fact: Cold water doesn’t close your pores, firstly because pores don’t open and close. It won’t really tighten them, either. Using a good exfoliating / acid toner will help reduce the appearance of them!
I know what you’re thinking, though. “Okay, noted about water temperature. But what if I lower the water temperature in the shower?” My stance still stays the same — it’s just too harsh.
A lot goes on in the shower. Besides brainstorm ideas, weird thoughts and shampoo flying everywhere, you’re exposed. So no, even if you’re not washing your hair the time you wash your face in the shower, your skin is exposed to more than it would be outside of it. From shower steam, excess product residue and harsh water pressure, you’re better off taking the extra two minutes at the sink. And please, for the love of whoever you believe in, take off your makeup before you hop in the shower, not during.
Some will argue that cleansing in the shower isn’t a big deal , which maybe for one time won't be. In the long term, though, you’ll notice a compromised skin barrier leading to dry skin. The second you get out the shower, your skin loses moisture. And realistically, most of us take hot showers. For me, at least, my skin loses moisture pretty quickly after I hop out the shower. With trials upon trials, I’ve explored different ways to retain the moisture and obtain optimal hydration right after. Here are my tips!
Double cleanse before hopping in the shower if you have makeup on. If not, a single cleanse can suffice to at least remove your SPF. If it’s a morning shower, wash your face post-shower. To ensure no shampoo or conditioner traces were left on your skin after showering, sweep a toner across your skin when you come out. This step is crucial to bring back the moisture that was lost and prepare your skin for the following steps to come. You can also apply a hydrating toner / essence / mist after, too! Keeping one in the shower is quick and easy to use it once you turn off the water!
If you have really dry skin, (like me) I really enjoy applying a cleansing balm and letting it sit on my face during my shower and rinsing it off right when I come out. I’ve noticed an immediate, intense moisture boost by doing so. Sometimes I’ll let it sit during, sometimes I’ll actually let it sit after and do my double cleanse then.
Masking in the shower — I’m iffy. If you’re going to do it, I can see why, but the least you can do is rinse it off outside your shower. I know, I know, I know. It’s quicker and SO much easier to do it under the shower head, but it’s so harsh. The water pressure makes all the difference. And it’s easy to want to wash off the mask quicker because there’s an abundance of water splashing on your face, but it’s not worth it. I enjoy taking off my masks with a warm (not hot) damp microfibre cloth. Don’t rub, press gently and massage it off.
Don’t face the shower head while showering. Easier said than done!
“So, what about shampoo and other oils? Aren’t those just as bad if they fall on your face washing your face?” Absolutely, and this is why it’s super important to wash AFTER and not during. Yes, even washing your face after you’ve washed your hair.
A little random tip of advice but something that’s helped me incredibly is to stop drying your face with a towel! Towels carry bacteria and can be harsh on your skin. Instead, tap the water into your skin or gentle pat dry with a reusable cotton pad, like I do!
You’re thinking, all… this… for… a… simple… word… of… advice?
Well, I can tell you one thing, my skin has never felt smoother having stopped washing my face in the shower. Doing so has improved my overall complexion by smoothing out texture, reduced redness and has allowed me to explore different ways to retain moisture onto my skin. The argument of it “taking too much time” doesn’t make sense to me, but to each their own!
It’s simple: Heat = moisture loss. Two extra minutes outside the shower = happy skin and properly cleansed skin.
I’ve had many tell me they’ve tried changing this habit and it’s helped them, so I’m curious to know your experience and if you’re ready and willing to make that simple change! As everyone’s skin is different, remember that all skin is “normal.” I educate to enhance your skincare ritual and optimize skin health. Let’s bring the conversation over to the comment section or my Instagram! Shower well, darling.