Your face has a difficult job during BJJ.
It gets pressed into rashguards, dragged across gis, squeezed under crossfaces and occasionally introduced to the mat with unnecessary enthusiasm.
So, how often should a grappler wash their face?
For many people, a useful starting point is:
- Once in the morning.
- Once in the evening.
- After heavy sweating or BJJ training.
Dermatologists generally recommend limiting routine facial washing to twice daily while also cleansing after heavy sweating.
That does not mean everyone needs exactly the same routine. Skin type, training schedule and product choice all matter.
Should You Wash Your Face After Every BJJ Session?
Yes, washing your face after grappling is a sensible part of post-training hygiene.
During BJJ, your facial skin comes into contact with:
- Sweat.
- Skin oil.
- Hair products.
- Mats.
- Gis and rashguards.
- Other people’s skin.
- Your own hands.
Clean your face as soon as practical after training, ideally as part of your post-BJJ shower routine.
Use lukewarm water and a gentle face cleanser. There is no need to scrub until your cheekbones become visible.
Can You Wash Your Face Too Often?
Potentially.
Washing repeatedly with harsh products may leave facial skin feeling tight, dry or irritated. This is particularly relevant for grapplers completing multiple sessions per day.
Overwashing may occur when someone:
- Cleanses four or five times daily.
- Uses very hot water.
- Scrubs aggressively.
- Uses an abrasive tool.
- Applies multiple strong active products.
- Mistakes a stripped feeling for cleanliness.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises against scrubbing and recommends gentle cleansing with the fingertips.
A Sample Face-Washing Schedule for Grapplers
Evening BJJ session
- Morning: Cleanse or rinse according to your skin’s needs.
- After training: Cleanse thoroughly.
- Before bed: No second cleanse is usually needed when you have just completed your post-training routine.
Morning BJJ session
- After training: Complete your normal cleanse.
- Evening: Cleanse again if needed.
Double-session day
- After session one: Use a gentle cleanser without scrubbing.
- After session two: Cleanse and complete your evening skincare routine.
Rest day
- Return to your normal morning-and-evening routine.
People with very dry or sensitive skin may find that one full cleanse in the evening, plus cleansing after sweat-heavy activity, is sufficient. Individual tolerance matters.
What Kind of Face Wash Should Grapplers Use?
Look for a cleanser that suits frequent athletic use.
Helpful characteristics may include:
- Gentle cleansing.
- Easy rinsing.
- No harsh scrub particles.
- Compatibility with your skin type.
- Non-comedogenic labelling for acne-prone skin.
- Hydrating characteristics for dry skin.
- Fragrance-free options for sensitive users.
A cleanser should remove sweat and excess oil without leaving your face painfully tight.
GRIP Post-Roll Facewash was created to provide grapplers with a simple dedicated facial-cleansing step after training.
How Should You Wash Your Face After BJJ?
- Wash your hands.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Apply a small amount of cleanser with your fingertips.
- Massage gently across your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, jaw and hairline.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply moisturiser when your skin needs it.
Avoid using the same towel that has spent an hour on the edge of the mat.
What If You Cannot Shower Immediately?
When you genuinely cannot shower at the gym:
- Wash your hands.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser if a sink is available.
- Change out of sweaty clothing.
- Shower properly as soon as possible.
Dermatologists similarly advise athletes who cannot shower immediately to at least wash acne-prone facial areas and change into clean clothing.
A face wipe can be useful as an emergency measure, but it is not an ideal permanent replacement for rinsing away sweat and cleanser properly.
Should You Moisturise After Washing?
When your face feels dry, tight or uncomfortable, apply a moisturiser after cleansing.
People who train frequently may benefit from pairing their face wash with a lightweight recovery cream.
The basic GRIP post-roll facial routine is:
- Clean: GRIP Post-Roll Facewash.
- Recover: GRIP Post-Roll Recovery Creme.
Two steps. No 14-bottle bathroom shrine required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash my face before BJJ?
Wash before class when your face is dirty, heavily oily or covered in makeup or other products. Avoid applying heavy greasy products immediately before rolling.
Should I wash my face after no-gi?
Yes. No-gi still involves sweating, skin-to-skin contact and contact with the training surface.
Is water enough after BJJ?
A gentle cleanser is more effective at removing oil and residue than water alone. Choose a product suitable for your skin and frequency of use.
Should grapplers exfoliate every day?
Daily aggressive exfoliation is unnecessary for most people and may irritate frequently trained skin. Introduce exfoliating products carefully according to your skin’s tolerance.
Why does my face feel tight after washing?
Your cleanser, water temperature, washing frequency or technique may be too harsh. Try lukewarm water, gentler cleansing and moisturising afterwards.