Turns out, you really shouldn’t be washing your face in the shower—here’s why

If you ask us, showers and multitasking were made for each other. We’ve brushed our teeth in the shower, sang countless melodies, and even completed our entire face washing routine under our own personal waterfall! But apparently, we’ve been doing it all wrong. Face-washing in the shower, that is.

During an interview with The Gloss, dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi revealed that the sink should be the only place where we cleanse our facial skin.

"I recommend that my patients wash their faces at the sink [instead], explains Dr. Tanzi. “[You can gauge the temperature more effectively] and should use lukewarm to cold water, which is better for delicate faces.

A burst of cold water—which you probably don’t want in the shower—can also work wonders when it comes to your skin. Eve Lom product developer Amandine Isnard states, “A cold finish stimulates circulation and can be hugely beneficial to the overall glow of your skin.”

Since the skin on our face is typically more sensitive than the skin on our body, temperature matters. While hot water can help open your pores (making it easier for skincare products to clean deep), it can also dry out your skin and strip your face of its natural oils. That’s why you should try to keep your face away from the shower head’s stream or use warm water instead when you’re getting your shower on. While you’re at it, celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas recommends that we avoid using the same soap we use in the shower.

“It’s horrible for your skin because it throws off the pH balance of the skin and causes either breakouts or extreme dryness. Bar soaps are too drying to handle cleansing the delicate skin on your face, Vargas explains.

Our shower towels are also standing between us and perfect skin.

"Instead of drying your face with your bath towel, use a paper towel instead. If you are breaking out and use the same towel on your face for a few days, it will spread the bacteria—making the breakout even worse! A paper towel can be thrown away after use, so it helps to keep your complexion clean and clear, Vargas adds.

Alright, so no more shower face washing, soap, or towels. But at least we can still sing our ballads.