2025 Guide: Should You Wash Your Face in the Shower? Pros, Cons, and Expert Tips

Imagine enjoying a warm, steamy shower while going through your daily cleansing routine. It’s common to wash your hair and body, but what about your face? Is washing your face in the shower truly good for your skin, or could it be causing unseen damage?

Skincare routines are highly personal, influenced by individual skin types, preferences, and expert advice. To help navigate this, trusted skincare professionals share their insights on whether shower face washing is a smart choice.

The Shower Face Washing Controversy

Some believe that hot shower water can strip away your skin’s natural oils, potentially leaving it dry and irritated. Extended exposure to heat and steam may aggravate sensitive skin and worsen conditions like acne. Others worry about bathroom bacteria contaminating the skin during shower cleansing.

But are these concerns backed by science? Leading dermatologists say many of these fears are myths, though they emphasize the importance of using the right water temperature to protect your skin’s health.

Expert Opinions on Shower Face Washing

Dr. Ivy Lee, a board-certified dermatologist in California, explains, “There is no scientific evidence that hot water dehydrates skin or that bathroom bacteria increase infection risk during shower face washing.”

London-based facialist Abigail James highlights a benefit: “Steam can actually enhance the cleansing process by softening pores, making it easier to remove impurities.” She encourages cleansing in whichever way ensures consistency, stressing that washing your face in the shower is better than skipping cleansing entirely.

Does Shower Washing Cause Acne?

Dr. Lee clarifies, “Washing your face in the shower does not cause acne, though prolonged exposure to heat and humidity may worsen rosacea by dilating blood vessels.” Abigail James agrees, noting acne arises from complex factors such as hormones, stress, diet, and skincare choices—not from shower washing alone.

Hot Water: Helpful or Harmful?

Experts agree that extremely hot water should be avoided. Warm water is ideal for daily cleansing, while very hot water can strip natural oils and dehydrate skin. James recommends cooler showers when possible and suggests limiting hot water exposure to once or twice a week.

Moderation is key, says Dr. Lee: “Washing your face once or twice daily with warm water and a brief cleanse maintains healthy skin without damage.”

Best Time and Place to Wash Your Face

Whether you prefer washing in the shower, at the sink, or with specific cleansers, regular cleansing twice a day is most important. Dr. Lee advises that an evening cleanse is essential to remove daily grime and makeup, while morning cleansing depends on your skin's oiliness or overnight products.

Choosing the Right Cleanser

Use gentle, non-abrasive cleansers tailored to your skin type. For acne-prone skin, products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are effective. On heavy makeup days, consider a double cleanse using an oil-based or micellar water cleanser followed by a foaming facial cleanser.

Popular micellar waters include Garnier SkinActive and Simple Micellar Cleansing Water. Recommended oil-based cleansers are Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil and Era Organics Cleansing Oil Facial Wash & Makeup Remover.

If shower washing isn’t your preference, cleansing at the sink with warm water and steam from the faucet can also provide effective cleansing.

Final Thoughts

Where you wash your face is less important than how regularly and gently you do it. “Unlike real estate, location doesn’t matter when it comes to washing your face,” says Dr. Lee. “Showering while cleansing can save time and is perfectly fine when done with care.”

Just remember to keep water temperature moderate, limit your cleansing duration, and use skin-friendly products. If you’re uncomfortable washing your face in the shower, the sink remains a great option.

Written by Victoria Stokes, a UK-based writer passionate about personal development and wellness. When not writing, Victoria enjoys coffee, cocktails, and vibrant pink hues. Connect with her on Instagram.

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