The Most Important Time to Wash Your Face Isn’t When You Think
By Shannon Farrell
It’s been ingrained in our minds that our face requires twice-daily washing in the morning and just before bed. It turns out we were skipping the most important rinse—just before you exercise.
"You’ve got to wash your face before you work out because if you don’t, then you’re sweating against all of the oil and dirt on your skin which can lead to clogging," says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Neal Scultz, M.D. "And more importantly when you work out and sweat, you wipe your skin. Well that just grinds all of the oil, dirt, grime and dead cells into your pores and makes you break out."
See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin
Face wipes have become a gym bag staple for women who wear makeup daily. Yet with the dirt and oil you can accumulate sans makeup, a cleansing prior to working out is essential for everyone. This is even more imperative if you have acne or oil-prone skin.
Dr. Schultz also adds that you can rinse after exercise, but it’s not mandatory. “When you’re exercising, all you make is water and salt, which is what’s in sweat, and that just rinses off with water.”
More from SELF:
How to Lose Weight and Feel Great in 7 Days
6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs
The Top Get-Fit Gifts to Give (and Get!)
photo: Kenneth Willardt
