Can You Wash Your Face With Shaving Cream?

Written By
Steve Milano
Steve Milano
Published: Oct 14, 2010
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
2 minute read

Proper skin care includes a regular regime of washing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Dead skin, clogged pores, excess salt and the collection of other debris on your skin lead to dry, leathery looking skin. If you don't have access to a facial soap and still want to keep your face clean and moisturized, you can use shaving cream for your regular washing. Use the right combination of water temperature, washing technique and shaving cream to keep your face clean.

Purchase a shaving cream that complements your skin type. If you have dry skin, purchase one with a moisturizer or aloe. If you have a bad reaction to chemicals, purchase one with no perfumes or other additives. Look for creams made for sensitive skin, if that is your skin type.

Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water robs your skin of the lipids it needs to save properly moisturized.

Apply shaving cream to your damp skin. Use a washcloth to scrub your skin, working in a circular motion. If you don't have a washcloth, add an abrasive to your shaving cream, such as dry oatmeal, if you want a more abrasive wash. Thoroughly scrub your skin, using enough pressure to achieve your particular goal. For example, if you are exfoliating, use more pressure and stay in one spot several seconds. If you are just washing up before dinner, use less pressure.

Rinse your skin with lukewarm or cool water. Remove all shaving cream. Examine your skin to see if you need to re-scrub any areas. Pat your face dry with a dry towel. Leave it slightly damp if you will be moisturizing.

Apply a moisturizer to your damp skin if you will be moisturizing after your wash. Apply moisturizer to damp skin for better absorption.

Steve Milano

Sam Ashe-Edmunds has been writing and lecturing for decades. He has worked in the corporate and nonprofit arenas as a C-Suite executive, serving on several nonprofit boards. He is an internationally traveled sport science writer and…

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