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As it turns out, there is a right way to complete your night time routine, and a few simple tweaks may mean less acne.
“You should fully brush your teeth, then wash your face, then apply your serums, actives, and moisturizer,” says Lindsey Zubrtisky, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. Bacteria from your mouth can potentially dribble onto your skin, which can cause acne.
“Cleansing your face in the shower should always be the last step. This helps rinse away any residue, debris, or buildup from the hair-washing process,” says Zubritsky.
“In an ideal world, it’s best to wash your face after styling your hair to avoid any hairspray on the skin that can clog pores and lead to ‘pomade acne,’” says Zubritsky.
“Perioral dermatitis (a red rash) can be attributed to minty toothpaste, mouthwashes, mints, & chewing gums containing cinnamates or artificial cinnamon flavor,” says Loretta Pratt, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
“Wash your hands before applying makeup with your fingers [and] avoid dipping unwashed fingers into jars of creams and makeup,” says Pratt.
“A pet peeve of mine is seeing people put spit/saliva on their finger or tissues to remove something from skin or on a cut,” says Pratt. “The mouth is teeming with bacteria, and it is not advisable to get saliva on open wounds.”
Pillowcases and towels should also be washed weekly; even if you go to sleep with clean skin, bacteria from your hair and your saliva can end up on your pillow, plus dust from the air.