Singer and actress Suzy and actress Lee Yo-won are renowned for their clear, blemish-free "honey skin" and youthful complexions. Interestingly, both share an unconventional skincare habit: they avoid using traditional towels after cleansing.
During an appearance on the YouTube channel Hyeri, Suzy revealed, "After washing my face, I don’t dry it separately. I heard towels aren’t good." Similarly, Lee Yo-won shared on a television program that instead of a standard towel, she "lightly presses a disposable facial towel to remove moisture." What is the clinical reasoning behind skipping the towel?
How Improper Towel Use Damages the Skin Barrier
A towel is not inherently harmful, but improper use can lead to significant irritation and bacterial contamination. Avoiding them, as these actresses do, is primarily a strategy to reduce friction.
Vigorously rubbing the face with a towel can create micro-injuries on the skin's surface and weaken the protective skin barrier. Once this barrier is compromised, moisture evaporates more rapidly, leading to roughness, reduced elasticity, and a higher risk of dryness or dermatitis.
Hygiene is the second major concern. Even after a single use, dead skin cells and sebum become trapped in a towel's fibers. If a damp towel is left in a humid bathroom, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Furthermore, as towels age, their fibers become coarser and more likely to harbor pathogens. Experts recommend replacing household towels approximately every 18 months.
The 3-Minute Rule for Moisture Retention
To minimize irritation while removing excess water, you can follow Suzy’s method of gently patting the face with your hands. Alternatively, like Lee Yo-won, you can use a dedicated, disposable face towel—as long as you pat gently rather than rub.
The most critical window for skincare is the 2–3 minutes immediately following a wash. Applying toner and moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration. However, there is no need to over-apply products. Layering too many steps can actually hinder absorption and irritate the skin.
When excess product remains on the surface and is exposed to oxygen, it can form lipid peroxides, which actually accelerate aging. One domestic study confirmed this by finding no significant difference in skin health between a group using only two products (toner and lotion) and a group using four (toner, essence, lotion, and cream). Focusing on a few high-quality products within the first few minutes of cleansing is often more effective than a complex, multi-step routine.
