Why You Shouldn’t Wash Your Face in the Shower

As convenient as it may be to remove your makeup while taking a shower, this can actually do more harm than good to your skin’s health. The skin on your face is much more sensitive than the skin on your body, and unless you enjoy taking cold showers, it’s better to keep your face away from the shower head’s stream.

We at Bright Side decided to find out why something as common as washing your face in the shower might be standing between you and perfect skin.

1. It can make acne worse.

Long, hot showers can strip away the natural oils your skin needs to stay healthy and look its best. And if your skin is already dry, washing your face in the shower can only make the issue worse. Applying more moisturizer to relieve the sensation of dryness can eventually make your skin vulnerable to acne and other skin infections.

2. It may affect your skin tone.

Washing your face in the shower can make your skin look reddish. Hot water in your shower causes the blood vessels on your face to dilate, which can damage the fragile capillaries on your cheeks. This, in turn, may lead to visible capillary networks, or rosacea, a very common skin condition.

3. It may lead to premature wrinkles.

You’ve probably noticed how your fingers can get wrinkly after a long hot shower. This happens because hot water removes moisture from your skin and damages the skin’s protective layer that helps lock in moisture. The same is true for your facial skin which can age quicker if exposed to hot water regularly.

4. It can make healthy skin more sensitive.

Washing your face in the shower won’t benefit normal skin either. Hot water can negatively affect otherwise perfectly healthy skin, making it dry and sensitive. It’s better to stay away from hot showers, especially during the drier winter months when skin is more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.

5. It can make your skin itchy.

Many people feel that their skin gets a little bit itchy after a long shower. The sensation is usually mild and only lasts for a short time. But washing your face under a hot shower regularly can cause your skin to itch and even peel.

Have you noticed how your skin feels after a shower? Do you wash your face in the shower or over a sink?