5 hours ago
10
E! Illustration/Getty Images
If you've done any amount of scrolling through #SkincareTok, you've probably seen skincare routine (no matter how elaborate) videos that include using a perfectly folded single-use skincare towel being used after cleansing. But are those really a good alternative to a using your regular towel?
Kacie Jones, an aesthetician at SkinSpirit's West Village Dallas, Texas location, says that while they are not exactly a bad thing to add into your routine, they're also "not a necessity for healthy skin" compared to a classic towel. However, there are a few things to know before using your bath towel to dry your face and how it can impact your skin.
"If your bath towel is clean, changed every 1–2 days, and allowed to dry between uses, it is perfectly fine for most people and is unlikely to cause any issues," she explains.
She continues, "problems can arise for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, especially if the towel remains damp for days at a time or is picking up body oils, hair products, sweat, or bacteria. In those cases, using a separate face towel or changing towels more frequently may be beneficial."
Bottom line? If your towel is damp between uses, or it's been more than a few days since you washed it, you may want to consider adding washcloths or single-use towels into your routine. For more expert advice from Kacie, read on.
Can rubbing your face instead of patting it dry cause damage?
Kacie says, "not necessarily," but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- "We never want to scrub or vigorously rub the skin, as this can cause irritation and contribute to barrier disruption."
- "Patting the skin dry is the gentlest option and a great daily habit. However, gentle circular motions with a soft washcloth or hand towel a few times per week can provide one of the mildest forms of physical exfoliation."
- "The key is using light pressure and avoiding aggressive scrubbing. It’s also important to consider whether you have any skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, active acne, or perioral dermatitis, as these conditions can make the skin more sensitive to friction."
Quince Classic Organic Turkish Cotton Washcloth
Lightly absorbent with an airy feel, these washcloths are made from a zero-twist terry for lasting softness.
"If you are already using exfoliating actives such as tretinoin, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other resurfacing products, your skin may not need additional physical exfoliation. While gentle towel exfoliation can be appropriate for some people, patting the skin dry remains preferable to vigorous rubbing," says Kacie.
LANE LINEN 6-Piece Wash Cloths
Made from 100% ringspun cotton, this 6-pack of wash cloths have classic terry loops and are totally versatile.
Do you think single-use face towels are necessary to dry your face?
"Single-use face towels are convenient and always clean, but they are not a necessity for healthy skin. One of their biggest advantages is that you don’t have to worry about washing them between uses because they are disposable," she explains.
There are a few instances where they can really shine in your skincare routine, Kacie explains, sharing that they're ideal for "when you want to be extra cautious about anything coming into contact with the skin."
- Acne-prone skin
- Recurrent bacterial folliculitis
- Frequent breakouts
- Travel
- Post-procedure care
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels
Made from bio-based viscose, these Clean Skin Club towels have a smooth side and textured side for easy drying or gentle exfoliation.
"They can also work well as a gentle option for removing makeup during a first cleanse. That being said, plenty of people use clean hand towels, washcloths, or dedicated face towels without any issues. As long as towels are washed regularly and allowed to dry between uses, they can be just as effective for most individuals," Kacie says.
Peace Out Silver Shield Disposable Face Towels
If you have acne-prone skin, these disposable face towels have been infused with allantoin (skin-conditioning support) and silver citrate (anti-microbial properties).
Buttah Silky Soft Towels
These biodegradable towels are made with natural fibers, and are ideal for removing makeup or face masks.
Should you apply skincare products while your skin is still damp? Or let it fully dry first?
Kacie says it "depends on the product," but if you're applying any hydrating skincare products with "hyaluronic acid, growth factors, exosomes," or just a hydrating moisturizer, those are "generally best applied while the skin is still slightly damp."
"Applying these products to damp skin can help attract and retain water, supporting hydration and helping to lock moisture into the skin," she added.
Prequel Skin Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum
This multi-level hydrating serum combines PGA, glycerin and osmolytes to offer deep moisture penetration that's gentle for all skin types.
The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex
Suitable for morning or evening integration into your routine, plant-based exosomes are this multifunctional serum's star ingredient, working deep within the skin's surface. Supported by ecotin, hyaluronic acid and prickly pear, it easily absorbs into the skin.
Cosmette Timeless Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Moisturizer
Made with meadowfoam seed oil, triluronic acid and tamanu oil, this replenishes moisture at multiple skin depths to support the skin barrier and visibly plump fine lines.
Kacie explains, "On the other hand, products such as retinoids, retinol, tretinoin, and strong exfoliating acids are often best applied to fully dry skin. Applying these products to damp skin can increase penetration, which may increase the likelihood of irritation, redness, or dryness."
"Ultimately, whether a product should be applied to damp or fully dry skin depends on the specific ingredients being used and the individual’s skin tolerance."
Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Nightly Retinyl Serum
Made with retinyl linoleate (a vitamin A derivative), this serum by Honest Beauty helps to gently reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid keeps the skin hydrated.
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform
A slow-release, 1% encapsulated retinol is the star of the show in this serum, that touts all the benefits of retinol without dryness or irritation.
Are there benefits to using a fresh towel each time you wash your face?
"Yes, there are benefits to using a fresh towel after every shower or face wash, but the degree of benefit depends on the individual and their skin type," Kacie shares.
- "Using a fresh towel each time reduces exposure to accumulated moisture, oils, bacteria, and skin debris that can collect on towels between uses."
- "This can be especially beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, recurrent folliculitis, rosacea, eczema, perioral dermatitis, or anyone recovering from a professional treatment such as microneedling, chemical peels, or laser procedures."
Brooklinen Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Towels
Wrap yourself in these super-plush towels one time and you'll feel like you were transported straight to a luxe spa.
"For the average person without significant skin concerns, using a clean towel that is changed every 1–2 days and allowed to dry completely between uses is generally sufficient and unlikely to cause problems," Kacie says.
Quince Turkish Waffle Terry Bath Towel
The look of waffle and the ultra-soft loop of classic terry, these quick-drying towels have a different texture on either side so you can enjoy both.
Parachute Soft Rib Towels
Rejuvenate your bathroom routine with these softly ribbed washcloths made from 100% Turkish cotton. Choose from multiple colors.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
English (US) ·