Wudu worries: Is my skin care even effective?

Over the past couple of years, I have become much more consistent with my daily prayers, and as I started performing the ritual cleansing act of wudu before each prayer, I also became much more aware of my skin-care routine. I began to wonder whether the constant washing was compromising the products I was applying to my skin — and their purported benefits. 

I asked friends and family whether they had thought about this as well. Some had and some had not, and after our conversation, those who hadn't thought about it started to. The questions and thoughts that came up left me even more confused. 

For help, I spoke with senior dermatology resident Dr. Abdulhadi Jfri and Dr. Raed Alhusayen, a dermatologist and member of the Canadian Dermatology Association board of directors.

It turns out that yes, according to both, performing wudu regularly can impact skin care to some extent, but it can be combated by implementing certain best practices. 

"Water adds moisture to the skin, but frequent washing and drying during wudu can remove the essential natural oils that serve as natural protection for the skin, [which] makes the skin susceptible to environmental irritants," said Dr. Jfri in an email. "Frequent rinsing can remove skin products or dilute their concentration, thus reducing their effectiveness, [especially if wudu is performed] before the skin has had time to absorb these products."

Dr. Alhusayen agrees that washing as frequently as required with wudu can be harmful — for some more than others. "It can remove the natural oil barrier that protects the skin and keeps it moist," he wrote in an email. "This is particularly relevant in individuals with defective skin barrier such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) patients and older individuals." 

Their expertise helped me navigate my beauty routine so I wouldn't have to compromise my skin care for my pre-prayer cleansing. 

If you've been thinking about this too (or are now!), check out the tips below. 

Timing 

One of the first concerns I had was whether the time between my wudu and when I apply skin-care products makes a difference. According to Dr. Jfri, it does play a role. He advised applying the products and allowing sufficient time for absorption. "For most skin-care products, the required absorption time is 20 minutes," he said. "Applying the skin-care products early in the morning would enable enough time for absorption … [making reapplication] after dhuhr prayer's wudu unnecessary." There are exceptions (more on that below). 

What to reapply

According to both Dr. Alhusayen and Dr. Jfri, reapplying sunscreen is important, and moisturizer, as needed. 

"If you applied most antioxidants — products containing vitamins such as vitamin C or E — early in the morning, there is no need to reapply them," Dr. Jfri explained. "For sunscreen, it is advisable to read the product information as some may need to be reapplied every two hours during the day if the person is out in the sun, regardless of whether it is being washed off during wudu. Some products are designed to be waterproof to remain on despite sweating or swimming." 

Dr. Alhusayen also emphasized the importance of reapplying sunscreen after wudu. In addition, he advised those prone to dry skin to reapply moisturizer, particularly during winter — and Dr. Jfri agrees. 

"In general, winter weather dries the skin more than warm weather, and frequent washing during wudu in a narrow time frame could aggravate that," said Dr. Jfri. "This reinforces the need for moisturizing the skin to restore its barrier." 

What you don't need to reapply 

There was also a consensus about what we should not reapply during the day: exfoliants.

"Skin-rejuvenation creams such as retinoids are only applied once a day and should not be reapplied throughout the day after washing for wudu," said Dr. Alhusayen. "It is recommended to apply them at bedtime." 

Dr. Jfri noted that exfoliants can make skin sensitive throughout the day and recommended using them after the last wudu, and as per the instructions of your prescribing dermatologist.  

General tips 

I had assumed my skin care was being affected by wudu, and to some extent it is. But it seems there are things you can do to maximize the benefits of your beauty products regardless of whether you perform wudu. 

One, Dr. Alhusayen explained, has to do with washing — properly. "Washing the skin regularly helps to keep the skin clean and healthy. It is especially helpful in the case of skin prone to acne as removing the excess oil and dirt helps prevent clogging of the pores," he said. "Also washing the skin before applying skin-care products helps in getting the maximum benefit of these products as it helps with absorption." He noted that washing gently is key: using lukewarm water, avoiding "high-pressure fast-running water," and patting skin dry.  

"Water is generally irritating and frequent [body]-part washing during wudu can leave the skin dry afterward," said Dr. Jfri, who also recommended being gentle. "Try to modify your wudu process by using moderate-temperature water for an average wudu time (not prolonged) and apply moisturizer immediately afterward." Although reapplying moisturizer is not a necessity, he noted it's not a bad idea. "It is generally advisable to reapply a moisturizer cream twice a day regardless of whether you are participating in wudu or not," he said. "So another application of a general moisturizer cream to replenish the skin would always be encouraged around that time."

Sidra Sheikh is a freelance journalist specializing in modest fashion, beauty and lifestyle. You can connect with her through her website or follow her on Instagram @sidra.sheikh_.