Is it OK to let your face dry naturally?

Author: Prof. Arely Bartoletti MD  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

Air-drying is not bad for your skin! There's no reason you would need to towel off after getting wet, other than the water may get on your clothes or make you a little colder.

Is it good to let your face dry naturally?

It is not a good idea to let your face dry by itself after showering or cleaning your face. If you do, it will lead to dry skin and possible breakouts. It is better to use a towel or tissue paper to pat the water off of your skin before allowing it to air-dry then apply moisturizer.

What happens if you don't hydrate your face?

Forgetting to hydrate can cause a snowball effect – once skin is dehydrated your barrier is compromised, leading to potential redness and irritation. This can be caused by not drinking enough water, forgetting to add a hydrating serum, neglecting to moisturize, or by not being diligent about your SPF.

What happens if you don't moisturize your face after washing it?

Irritation: Without moisturizing, your skin may become irritated or sensitive, especially if you use a cleanser with harsh ingredients. Increased Oil Production: In response to dryness, your skin might produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Is it better to dry off with a towel or air dry?

In general, air drying is considered the more hygienic option, particularly if the dishes are washed properly and dried in a clean environment. However, if you need the dishes quickly or are concerned about water spots, using a clean, dry towel can be effective.

My Science-Based Skincare Routine (easy & affordable)

How should I dry my face after washing it?

Once you've finished cleansing, we recommend patting (not rubbing) your face dry with a soft towel. This gentle approach can help remove excess water without irritating your skin.

Which is the healthiest way to dry your hair?

Use the hair dryer on the lowest, cool setting so you don't heat the hair above the denaturation temperature. As the hair dries, the temperature can be increased since the denaturation temperature increases - you can feel this while drying as the hair will suddenly start to warm up.

Why do dermatologists say not to use moisturizer?

Another reason Dr Obagi is against moisturiser: He believes that if you use it daily over time, it can change your skin's natural balance of water, lipids, and proteins. The result? Your body will stop delivering the skin's normal, natural method of hydration from within.

What happens if I only use water to wash my face?

And washing your face with water only? Using water alone will not deliver the oil-balancing, cleaning, or hydrating properties that oily skin needs, which is why cleansing is one of the most important steps in a skincare regime for oily skin.

What does over-moisturized skin look like?

Your skin will certainly tell you in subliminal ways, such as clogged pores or acne breakouts on your shoulders or other areas of your body, small bumps and more. It's easy to think that over moisturising is a good thing as 'it's just providing your skin with extra hydration' – however, this isn't true.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

Is vaseline good for your face?

The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

Should you leave your face dry?

Air-drying is not bad for your skin! There's no reason you would need to towel off after getting wet, other than the water may get on your clothes or make you a little colder. And as we've covered, air-drying can actually have benefits, so the answer is really quite the opposite!

Should I use a washcloth to dry my face?

Drying your face with a washcloth can only really be problematic in two situations: First, if the cloth is contaminated with bacteria, yeast, or fungi, and second if the cloth is so abrasive it results in irritation.

Is it better to pat dry or rub dry?

Patting dry the skin instead of vigorously rubbing is a gentler and more skin-friendly approach. When you pat dry, especially with a soft towel, you minimize friction and reduce the risk of irritation or damage to the delicate skin barrier.

Do you actually need to wash your face?

“It is actually important to do so. We need the skin to be clean so that the products applied in the morning are well absorbed. Also, when we wash our face in the morning, it removes the products applied the night before are removed, especially acids such as retinol, which should not be exposed to the sun.”

How to clean face naturally every day?

Step 1: In a blender, take a tablespoon of yogurt along with half a cucumber. Step 2: Blend the two ingredients together to form a paste. Apply this mix evenly onto your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

What is the healthiest way to moisturize your face?

There's no need to use abrasive chemicals like preservatives, perfumes or alcohol to moisturize your face. You can achieve dewy, supple skin naturally by buying products containing plant-based and/or organic ingredients(2) with anti-inflammatory properties, such as: Aloe vera. Algae gel.

Why is my skin better when I don't moisturise?

Skipping the moisturiser can also help to support the skin through the natural ageing process as they inhibit the production of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), one of our skin's natural moisturisers. GAGs are important for the production of collagen and the cushioning around it, keeping the skin plump and firm.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

Does wrapping your hair in a towel damage it?

The weight of the large towel can cause your hair to break. If you have a habit of drying your body off with your body towel and then wrapping it around your head to dry your hair, then it's time to make some changes. A smaller towel that doesn't pull on your hair is a much better option.

Can dry hair become healthy again?

Getting a good deep conditioning treatment once a week will nourish your hair and restore its natural shine. If you have very dry hair, doing a hot oil treatment once a month will help moisturize it. Wash your hair, dry it with a towel and apply your favorite hair oil.

What is the healthiest way to color your hair?

"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.

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