6 Mistakes You're Probably Making in the Shower
Mistake #1: Taking a scalding hot shower
Yes, we know hot showers are a godsend during the cold, winter months, but this is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. “Everyone likes to take a steamy shower when it’s cold outside, but the excessively hot water strips the skin of natural oils, which is very drying and increases wintertime ‘itch,’” says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, founder and director of Capital Laser and Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center. “The best thing to do is limit the amount of time in hot water and use a moisturizing body wash instead of soap.”
Mistake #2: Using fragrant or harsh soaps
Stepping out of the shower smelling like a fresh bouquet of roses may sound nice in theory, but by using harsh or overly fragrant soaps, you could be seriously irritating your skin, Tanzi tells Yahoo Health. Opt for a fragrance-free, moisturizing body wash instead — especially if you have sensitive skin!
Mistake #3: Scrubbing with loofahs or sponges
To be clear, loofahs and sponges don’t have to be completely axed from your shower routine. However, it does need to be noted that these bath tools can harbor some serious bacteria if you don’t replace them often enough. “Loofahs can harbor bacteria, mold, yeast and a host of other nasty things,” says Tanzi. “Allow your loofah to dry completely every day and replace it frequently.”
Mistake #4: Showering for too long
Sometimes a long shower is necessary after an especially hard day, but try to limit your shower time to 15 minutes, tops. “To avoid over-drying and irritation with the skin, take short showers and be sure to apply moisturizer liberally immediately after patting dry with your towel” explains Neal Schultz, MD, a NYC dermatologist and creator of BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz.
Mistake #5: Not drying your razor
If there’s one universal shower sin, it’s not drying your razor after you use it. If left in the shower and not properly dried, all the little crevices in your razor retain moisture where tons of bacteria can grow. That, coupled with a small nick on your legs, could lead to a serious skin infection.
Mistake #6: Soaping up everywhere
“Use less bar soap or shower gel on your body. There’s no need to use it everywhere everyday,” Schultz tells Yahoo Health. Obviously areas like your face and hands should be cleaned daily, but unless you’re sweating it out at the gym every day, there’s no need for a full body scrub down every time you step in the shower. “Your back, chest, arms, and legs only need to be soaped up once or twice a week in winter,” Schultz says.
There’s simply nothing better than a nice, hot shower to start your day. The steam reawakens you and the water pressure relaxes you… but while you’re reveling in this soothing ritual, your skin is actually being damaged more and more with every scalding water droplet.
Although showering feels good, it turns out you’re most likely doing it wrong and ruining your skin in the process. So, if you’re making any of the following showering mistakes, it’s time to tweak your routine ASAP!
(Photos: Getty Images)
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