Ask an Expert: Is it Good or Bad to Wash Your Face in the Shower?
Is it Good or Bad to Wash Your Face in the Shower?
According to Dr. Beleznay, there really is no right or wrong answer.
“People should do what works best for their lifestyle, their routine, and their skin,” Dr. Beleznay tells hai. “There may be some rationale on whether it is better to wash your face in the shower or at the sink, but ultimately it’s unlikely to make a meaningful difference.”
If you are going to wash your face in the shower, Dr. Beleznay says there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Find the Right Temperature
When it comes to cleansing in the shower, a steamy environment can wreak havoc on delicate facial skin. “While I know how much people love their hot showers, your skin will thank you if you turn down the temperature,” Dr. Beleznay says. “Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and potential disruption of the skin's moisture barrier.”
Instead of scorching your skin during your shower-time skincare routine, Dr. Beleznay recommends opting for a lukewarm temperature. “Having an app that can help to regulate temperature can certainly be helpful,” Dr. Beleznay notes.
To help you find that perfectly lukewarm temperature every time, there’s the hai Smart Showerhead. Our water-powered, Bluetooth-enabled showerhead connects to the hai app where you can set your ideal shower temperature. In the case of the perfect in-shower skincare temperature, Dr. Beleznay notes you’ll want to set your temp somewhere between 98-105°F. A lukewarm temperature will be gentler on the skin and help maintain its natural moisture levels.
2. Wash Your Face After Your Haircare Routine
There’s a correct running order for everything you do in the shower, and when it comes to washing your face, Dr. Beleznay says to make that your last step. “I recommend washing your face after applying and rinsing out any hair products,” she says.
“This is because hair products like shampoo and conditioner can leave residue on your skin, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.”
hai tip: Say goodbye to lingering residue with hai’s steady stream spray setting. Slide into this high-pressure, rainfall-like setting for a deep cleanse that will ensure all shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks get rinsed out effectively before you journey into your skincare routine. For the ultimate deep hair care cleanse, use our handheld shower feature for that up-close and personal clean.
3. Use a Hydrating Cleanser
If you’re exfoliating your face in the shower, stop right there.
“Hot water can lead to dryness and irritation, and this can be even more problematic if using an exfoliating cleanser.” Instead, Dr. Beleznay recommends adding a gentle, hydrating cleanser to your in-shower (and out-of-shower) skincare routine. “If you have more oily or acne-prone skin, then a foaming cleanser may be appropriate. For those prone to acne, you may want to consider a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.” Using these cleansers will give you a deeper clean, which in turn will prep your skin for the remainder of your skincare routine out of the shower.
hai tip: If you’re exfoliating your face in the shower, stop right there. “Hot water can lead to dryness and irritation, and this can be even more problematic if using an exfoliating cleanser.” Instead, Dr. Beleznay recommends adding a gentle, hydrating cleanser to your in-shower (and out-of-shower) skincare routine. “If you have more oily or acne-prone skin, then a foaming cleanser may be appropriate. For those prone to acne, you may want to consider a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.” Using these cleansers will give you a deeper clean, which in turn will prep your skin for the remainder of your skincare routine out of the shower.
Shop Energy Boost
Now that we know the important ins and outs of washing your face in the shower from an expert, there are a few more things to keep in mind when practicing your skincare in the shower.
Make It Short, Sweet, and Efficient
Keep your shower sessions brief to minimize the potential damage of prolonged exposure to heat. Actively cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and use your fingertips to massage it in, enhancing the efficacy of the product.
hai tip: Let hai be your skincare spotter. Our LED light on the shower base will let you know when you’ve hit your target water limit, so you don’t stay in the shower for too long wasting water or over-indulging in your shower-time skincare game.
Open Your Pores
hai allows you to seamlessly slide from a rainfall, steady stream to a spa-like mist. This mist setting creates a steamy environment that opens up the pores, allowing for a deeper and more thorough cleanse. A warm mist helps loosen dirt, oil, and impurities, allowing your chosen cleanser to work its magic more effectively and unclog pores. Plus, a mist setting is gentler on the skin as opposed to a stronger stream that may disrupt your skin barrier, leaving your skin prone to irritation.
Moisture Lockdown
Now that your pores are open, your skin is in prime condition for executing the rest of your skincare routine. Post-shower, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to replenish any lost moisture. This step will keep your skin supple and glowing, defying the odds of potential dryness.
So, is it okay to wash your face in the shower? Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether in the shower or at the sink, what matters most while washing your face is using gentle cleansers, lukewarm water, and gentle pressure.
