2 Rules a Derm Is Begging You To Follow if You Wash Your Face in the Shower

There are tons of beauty myths floating around out there, and one of them is that you should never wash your face in the shower. But according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, there's nothing wrong with washing your face in the shower—you just wanna make a few adjustments to ensure you're getting a thorough yet gentle cleanse.

"Ultimately, the most important thing is washing your face, so where you choose to do it comes down to personal preference," says Dr. Garshick. "If choosing to wash in the shower is more convenient and otherwise you would forget, washing in the shower is okay."

When washing your face in the shower, Dr. Garshick says there are two simple rules you must follow.

How to wash your face in the shower, the right way

1. Make sure the water is lukewarm
Hot showers are generally a no-no. "Lukewarm water is preferable, as if the water is too hot it can be irritating to the skin and strip the skin of its natural oils," says Dr. Garshick. If you don't adhere to this rule on your body (which, by the way, you should—hot water can strip the skin there, too), please be sure to follow it on your face and lower the temp before you rinse off the day's makeup, sweat, and grime.

2. Wash your face last
Though it can be tempting to get your face clean the second you hop in the shower, Dr. Garshick says you're better off saving it for the last step.

"It’s best to wash your face as the last step when you’re in the shower," she says, "to help rinse away any residue or buildup that can occur with shampoo, conditioner, or other products that may be used in the shower, which can otherwise contribute to breakouts and irritation."