You probably wash your body after Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
At least, we sincerely hope you do.
But many grapplers use the same strong body wash on their face, hair, beard and possibly their dishes. Others splash water over their cheeks and assume the problem has been handled.
Should you use a dedicated face wash after grappling, or is ordinary body wash good enough?
Face and Body Skin Have Different Needs
Both face wash and body wash are cleansers. Their job is to help remove sweat, oil and residue.
However, products designed for the face are commonly formulated with regular facial use in mind. Facial skin is constantly exposed, frequently shaved and prone to concerns such as dryness, oiliness, clogged pores or sensitivity.
Body skin may tolerate a stronger cleansing experience, particularly in areas such as the underarms, feet and torso.
That does not mean every facial cleanser is gentle or every body wash is harsh. It means the intended area and formulation matter.
Why Grapplers Need to Clean Their Face After Training
During BJJ, your face repeatedly contacts:
- Training mats.
- Rashguards.
- Gi collars and sleeves.
- Your partner’s skin.
- Your own hands.
- Sweat.
- Skin oil.
- Hair and beard products.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing after heavy sweating and using a gentle, non-abrasive facial cleanser.
A dedicated post-BJJ face wash gives you a repeatable way to remove sweat and grime without relying on whatever industrial-strength product happens to be sitting in the gym shower.
Can You Use Body Wash on Your Face?
Some mild body cleansers may be tolerated by some people.
However, a strongly fragranced, deodorising or aggressive body wash may leave facial skin feeling dry or uncomfortable. Products marketed as antibacterial or deodorant body washes may be particularly drying for some users.
Stop using a product on your face when it consistently causes:
- Tightness.
- Burning.
- Stinging.
- Excessive dryness.
- Redness.
- Peeling.
- Increased irritation.
Choose products according to how your skin actually responds, not how violently clean the advertisement promises you will become.
What Makes a Good Face Wash for BJJ?
A useful post-training facial cleanser should:
- Remove sweat and excess oil.
- Rinse away cleanly.
- Be suitable for regular use.
- Avoid abrasive scrub particles.
- Match your skin type.
- Leave skin feeling clean rather than stripped.
For acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic products. For dry or sensitive skin, gentler or fragrance-free options may be preferable.
How to Wash Your Face After Grappling
- Wash your hands.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Apply facial cleanser with your fingertips.
- Massage gently around the hairline, nose, jaw, cheeks and chin.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply moisturiser when needed.
Do not scrub with the community shower loofah. In fact, do not touch the community shower loofah.
When Should You Use Body Wash?
Use body wash across sweat-prone and mat-exposed areas, including:
- Neck.
- Shoulders.
- Underarms.
- Torso.
- Arms.
- Hands.
- Groin.
- Legs.
- Feet.
Follow the product directions and rinse thoroughly.
A complete post-BJJ shower includes both body cleansing and facial cleansing. They solve related but slightly different jobs.
What About Soap Bars?
A soap bar may be suitable when it works for your skin and is stored hygienically.
However, heavily fragranced or harsh soap may leave frequently washed skin dry. A mild liquid cleanser is often easier to carry in a gym bag and less complicated to store.
Should You Moisturise After Face Wash?
When your face feels dry or tight after training, follow your cleanser with a moisturising product.
The GRIP two-step facial routine is:
Step 1: Wash
Use GRIP Post-Roll Facewash to clean away sweat, oil and mat grime.
Step 2: Recover
Apply GRIP Post-Roll Recovery Creme after drying your face.
This creates a simple routine suitable for people who care about their skin but have no interest in pretending their bathroom is a cosmetic laboratory.
Face Wash vs Body Wash: The Verdict
Body wash is for your body.
Face wash is designed for your face.
You may survive using one product everywhere, just as you may survive wearing the same rashguard for three sessions. Survival is not the standard we are aiming for.
A dedicated face wash is particularly worthwhile when:
- You train regularly.
- You shower frequently.
- Your face feels dry after body wash.
- You experience post-training oil or grime.
- You want a consistent two-step routine.
- You are trying to stop looking like the mat won.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is body wash too harsh for your face?
Some body washes may feel too harsh, drying or fragranced for facial skin. Individual formulations and skin types vary.
Can I wash my face with water after BJJ?
Water can rinse away surface sweat, but a suitable cleanser helps remove oil and residue more effectively.
Should I use face wash after every class?
Cleansing after heavy sweating is commonly recommended. Use a gentle product and adjust the rest of your routine to your skin’s tolerance.
Do I need moisturiser after face wash?
Use moisturiser when cleansing leaves your skin feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable.
Can a face wash prevent ringworm or skin infections?
An ordinary cosmetic face wash should not be presented as treating or preventing disease. It supports general cleansing and skincare, not medical treatment.