Should I wash my face before or after a shower?

Choose the water temperature, not a special order

If your shower water is lukewarm, washing your face there is a practical choice. If you prefer a hot shower, wash your face separately with lukewarm water instead. Hot water can strip the skin's protective barrier and cause dryness and irritation. Cold water is also acceptable if you prefer it.12

How to wash your face in the shower

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Gently massage your cleanser over your face, jaw and neck with your fingers. Avoid scrubbing with a washcloth, loofah or brush.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water until the cleanser and any bubbles are completely removed.
4. 4Pat your face dry with a clean cotton towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing to replace some of the moisture and natural oils removed during cleansing.

A gentle, fragrance free cleanser is a good starting point for most people. Water alone is less effective at removing oily particles because oil and water do not mix. Cleansers containing exfoliating acids can irritate sensitive skin.2

Do I need to wash again after showering?

No extra wash is needed just because you washed in the shower. Most people should wash morning and evening. For oily skin, twice daily cleansing is particularly useful. For dry or sensitive skin, a morning rinse with water and cleanser only at night can be a better fit. If you wash only once daily, choose the evening, after your day's activities. Overwashing removes natural oils and can make skin drier.1

What if I am wearing makeup?

For makeup removal, you can use a cleansing balm, cleansing oil or micellar water first, followed by a gentle cleanser. That is a deliberate two stage cleanse, not a reason to wash before, during and after showering. If you do not wear makeup, double cleansing is unnecessary and can be more drying.1

After exercise, do not wait for your usual shower

Shower after a workout to remove sweat, oils and bacteria. If you cannot shower, wash your face with a gentle cleanser rather than waiting until bedtime. If no cleanser is available, lukewarm water alone is still useful. Remove makeup before exercising with a gentle cleanser, since sweat mixed with makeup can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. During exercise, gently pat sweat away with a clean towel instead of rubbing.3

What should I put on afterward?

Choose a moisturizer that feels comfortable and does not sting, burn or provoke acne. Regular moisturizing improves the skin's ability to hold water. After a morning wash, include sun protection if you will be outdoors, even briefly. For outdoor exercise, use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.34