There are two things I shall always be grateful to my high school best friend for (A) Being there with me through all the crazy teenage years and (B) For giving me the most excellent beauty tip ever - stop wiping your face with a towel.
Between the age of 13 to 15, my skin couldn't shake off acne issues. I tried everything - creams, topical treatment, and cutting off sugar. I even stopped touching my face. Can you imagine a 15-year old not being able to touch her face or even rest her head during boring classes?
That is when my best friend told me to stop wiping my face after a shower and just let it air-dry instead. This small tip worked wonders for my skin; even though it didn't clear it up completely, it did help curb the spread. There are a couple of reasons why this little update in my skincare worked so well.
- What wiping your face with a towel does to your skin
- How air-drying can help your skin
- How to air-dry your face
What wiping your face with a towel does to your skin
Rubbing on wet skin with a towel is not suitable for anyone; no matter the skin type. The harsh fibres can irritate already sensitive skin and cause unwanted redness. For acne-prone skin, this habit can cause bacteria to get deep into your skin; especially if you don't wash your towels often. Towels can also dry out your skin unnecessarily since they strip away surface moisture that builds up after washing the face.
How air-drying can help your skin
Apart from the obvious benefits of protecting your face from all the reasons mentioned above, letting your face air-dry can change the way it looks and feels. It is a well-known fact that applying moisturiser on a wet face enhances its effects by trapping the moisture better and giving long-lasting hydration throughout the day. You can also apply nourishing oils on a damp face - they spread better, and you’ll be using lesser amounts of this luxurious product, making them last longer.
How to air-dry your face
The process of air-drying your face is simple. Step out of the shower and stand on your bath mat for a couple of minutes. Slather on a water-based moisturiser, like the Ponds Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser all over your face and neck. Massage it in to let the skin soak up all the hydrating goodness. Continue attending to your hair or floss; this is to give your skin time to air-dry completely.
Written by Sumona Bose on Apr 02, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!