When it’s cold outside all I want to do is take a long, hot shower everyday. At the same time my skin is more irritated and dry. Is there a link? You betcha! Like me, you’re probably doing a disservice to your skin if you’re doing one of these six things in the shower.
1. Taking Too Hot Showers
They are so soothing – especially when it’s cold out? But according to dermatologist Dr. Joyce ImahiyeroboIp of South Shore Medical Center: “Hot showers open the pores, strip the skin of natural oils, and wick much needed moisture away from the skin.” Yikes, that doesn’t sound so great.
Instead opt for lukewarm shower – about the temperature of a heated swimming pool. Your skin will thank you in the long run.
2. Showering Too Much
If you’re showering more than once a day, you’re drying out your skin. Many dermatologists even say showering once a day is too much. They say a few times a week is better.
Of course, if you’re working out a lot or sweating skipping a shower may not be an option. So if you can’t miss one – try to keep it as short as possible.
3. Over-scrubbing
While it’s good to exfoliate your face and body two or three times a week to remove dead skin – doing it more than that can be harmful.
According to NYC dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman: “Over-exfoliation will expose below-layers of your skin, weaken skin-barrier function and, in some cases, trigger inflammation…If the barrier function is damaged, skin becomes vulnerable to infection from microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungus, and leads to sensitivity and irritation.” So a little moderation on exfoliating is definitely a must!
4. Using Irritating Products
You might love the smell of that kiwi strawberry infused shower gel but it could also be irritating your skin. Some people are sensitive to ingredients such as fragrance and sulfates so always read product ingredient labels before using them. If your skin keeps getting irritated and you keep seeing the same ingredients, maybe try a different product and see how it goes.
5. Using Dirty or Old Items
You’ve gone through all the effort of washing your skin with gentle products in a lukewarm shower – don’t go and ruin all your hard work with a dirty towel or old razor. Bacteria, fungus, and mold builds-up fast in moist bathroom environments.
Ideally only use towels for two days before washing them and throw out old razors after a month (or five to seven shaves depending on which comes first).
6. Not Moisturizing
After you shower it’s important to moisturize your skin. Studies show that bathing without using a moisturizer afterwards may compromise skin hydration.
Moisturizing your skin is especially key if you’ve shaved in the shower. According to dermatologist. Dr. Joshua Zeichner of Mount Sinai Hospital: “Not properly moisturizing afterwards can lead to skin irritation and inflammation known as razor burn.”
So lock in that moisture after you shower!
More Skin Care Tips
That about wraps it up. I hope you can learn from my mistakes and are able to take showers that feel good and are good to your skin. For even more skin care tips check out our Skin Care blog series.
