Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
Skin care will forever be one of my favorite forms of self care. Sometimes that means an hourlong routine with a mud mask followed by a sheet mask followed by a lymphatic drainage self-massage. But often enough it means a single minute with my most treasured yet inexpensive in-shower facial product.
Experts in This Article
board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
In-shower facials are the very best of lazy skin-care products. Many masks have to sit and then be rinsed off. This means that if you’re masking in bed, you have to get up to wash the mask off and then finish your routine. When you use an in-shower mask, there’s no more rinsing to be done once you get out. When I do a traditional face mask, I often leave it on for about an hour. The Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant In-Shower Facial ($7) does everything I could want in just 60 seconds.
Shop now:Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial, $7
Aveeno’s in-shower facial mask feels much more luxe than its $7 price tag would suggest. It has a deliciously bright citrus scent and begins to lightly tingle within seconds of applying. I can definitely feel it working, but it never burns or hurts. So if you have sensitive skin, you may want to test it under your ear, along the side of your neck. The mask works with the steam of your shower to help gently exfoliate, brighten, remove dirt and oil, and leave behind baby-soft skin. It contains dissolving beads and soy and lemon-peel extracts to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends this Aveeno facial because in-shower exfoliation is gentler than exfoliating dry skin.
“When the skin is warm and hydrated, dead cells on the surface may more easily be removed and cause less trauma,” he says.” Especially when using manual exfoliators or gritty products, over-scrubbing may lead to skin irritation, loss of hydration, and inflammation.”
This facial contains glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), meaning it’s plant-derived and water-soluble. AHA’s work by loosening the glue that holds skin cells together on the top layers of the skin.
“Doing this reveals rejuvenated and brighter skin,” saysDennis Gross, MD, a New York City dermatologist and founder of an eponymous skin-care line. “They also stimulate collagen, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—which makes them good for aging skin.”
Although this mask feels great, you sadly can’t use it every day—once or twice per week max so you don’t irritate your skin. To make the experience even better, I sometimes like to follow it up with an overnight hydrating mask. I apply the Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Sleeping Mask ($20) once I get out of the shower and dry my face, and then wash it off in the morning for super soft skin that requires barely any effort.
Check out this 11-step “Queen Bee” facial at New York’s Plaza Hotel:
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.
