Shower tips for avoiding dry, irritated skin

You’ve likely been bathing or showering yourself for quite some time now, so you know what you’re doing. Sure, you’re getting clean – but are you maximizing the benefits of your shower to insure that you aren’t drying or irritating your skin?

From the wrong water temperature to insufficient rinsing, you could be damaging your skin

Again, showering is something you do all the time, so you have your routine down pat. Which may not be a good thing. Few of us stop to think about certain shower habits that may need to be changed in order to keep our skin healthier. But the next time you’re in the shower, take a few minutes to consider each action and how it affects your skin.

Water temperature

Many of us like a hot, steamy shower – especially on a cold day. But hot water strips important oils from the skin – and it doesn’t actually get you any cleaner. Plus, it increases blood flow to the skin’s surface, which can exacerbate inflammation such as eczema. Keep the shower lukewarm, and limit your time in the shower to 10 minutes or less if you can.

To soap or not to soap

Many types of soaps and body washes can actually strip moisture from the skin. Plus, as much as we love the beautifully-scented body washes that make us smell like summer when we step out of the shower, fragrances also tend to dry out the skin. Ultimately, if you want to keep your skin healthy and moisturized, look for a soap or body wash that is moisturizing and fragrance-free.

Keep it clean

You probably clean your shower and/or bathtub regularly. But what about your loofahs and “puffs.” The bathroom is always warm and moist – a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Avoid keeping your loofahs, etc. in the shower. Instead, store them where they can dry completely between uses, wash them frequently, and replace them regularly.

Be gentle

It’s not usually necessary to actually “scrub” your skin. Scrubbing can actually cause redness, rashes, or – if you’re using a harsh exfoliant – tears in the skin. It’s good to exfoliate, but you should do it gently, and only once or twice a week. And when your shower is over, you should towel-dry carefully also. It’s not necessary to rub to get dry. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.

Rinse well

A common cause of skin irritation is product (soap, shampoo, etc.) that is left on the skin when it wasn’t meant to be. Soaps, shampoos, exfoliants, and conditioners are made to be rinsed off, and can cause irritation when they’re left behind on your skin. So be sure to rinse well and check to make sure you’ve removed all traces of soap and shampoo, etc. before you step out of the shower.

Moisturize!

The best time to moisturize is right after you get out of the shower or bath, while your skin is still slightly damp. A good moisturizer can help keep your skin’s barrier strong and protected – and will help lock in the moisture from your shower.