Using One Towel to Dry Off Just Isn’t Going to Cut It Anymore

We’ve discussed showering a lot in recent posts. The TLDR version: Small changes can have a big impact on the health of your skin.

Here’s another tip for that list. Start using a separate towel to dry your face.

In one of the recent showering posts, we stressed the importance of toweling off gently – dabbing, rather than vigorously trying to absorb every drop of water. That’s because you want to leave your skin damp. Moisturizer is more effective when applied to slightly wet skin. But another critical aspect we glossed over is the using-two-separate-towels thing.

Isn’t this overkill?

The obvious question is, why use two towels when one will do? After all, many of us have only ever used a single towel, and, by most accounts, this process seems to work just fine. But if we were to pull out a microscope, you’d see we’re tempting fate.

By using one towel, you’re running the risk of introducing bacteria and irritants to your face that can trigger breakouts and even infections. 

Yes, you’ve just stepped out of the shower, and you’re the cleanest you’ll likely be for the rest of the day. But there’s still bacteria on your body, along with natural oils and dead skin cells, all of which can easily be transferred to a towel and then your face.

It’s also worth mentioning that the skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin elsewhere on your body. Which is to say that, depending on the locations, skin will react differently to bacteria. Where your back and groin may tolerate some types of bacteria, your face may not. E. coli, for instance, can cause what look like pimples on the face. Although, they’re often trickier to treat than acne and they tend to be more inflammatory.

How often should you refresh your towels?

If your skin isn’t sensitive or acne-prone, clean your towels after two to three uses. Operating within this timeframe minimizes the risk of skin issues that could be triggered by oil, dead skin cell, or bacteria buildup. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, consider replacing your towels after each use.

When washing your towels, use a hypoallergenic detergent. We’ve been led to believe that products labeled “organic” and “all-natural” are the healthiest options. But detergents marketed as such usually have ingredients that may be from plants, and these have problems of their own (i.e., poison ivy). Not to mention, they may not be the most effective detergents.

If all of this feels overwhelming, keep in mind that a dry washcloth, or even a microfiber cloth, would work just as well as a towel at gently drying your face. This should help lighten the load.

And if you introduce a second towel (or a washcloth) and you still feel like you’re dealing with an unfair share of breakouts or irritation, seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist.