If you’ve done any amount of scrolling through #SkincareTok, you’ve probably seen skincare routine (no matter how elaborate) videos that include using a perfectly folded single-use skincare towel being used after cleansing. But are those really a good alternative to a using your regular towel?

Kacie Jones, an aesthetician at SkinSpirit‘s West Village Dallas, Texas location, says that while they are not exactly a bad thing to add into your routine, they’re also “not a necessity for healthy skin” compared to a classic towel. However, there are a few things to know before using your bath towel to dry your face and how it can impact your skin.

“If your bath towel is clean, changed every 1–2 days, and allowed to dry between uses, it is perfectly fine for most people and is unlikely to cause any issues,” she explains.

She continues, “problems can arise for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, especially if the towel remains damp for days at a time or is picking up body oils, hair products, sweat, or bacteria. In those cases, using a separate face towel or changing towels more frequently may be beneficial.”

Bottom line? If your towel is damp between uses, or it’s been more than a few days since you washed it, you may want to consider adding washcloths or single-use towels into your routine. For more expert advice from Kacie, read on.