Can Hot Showers in Winter Really Damage Skin Barrier? Dermat Shares

There is nothing that beats the pleasure of steaming hot shower during the cold winter days. The warm water soothes sore muscles and calms the mood as the chill in the air is momentarily washed away. Although the pleasure derived from indulging in a hot shower appears beneficial, dermatologists warn that this is probably causing your skin the greatest harm.

According to our expert, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, hot showers in winter can upset the ways in which the skin maintains its protective barrier, which can result in dry and sensitive skin. Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

What Is Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier or stratum corneum is the topmost layer of the human skin. The main function of this layer is to protect our skin from moisture loss as well as from entry of foreign materials like irritants, allergens, or microorganisms.

In winter, because of low humidity in the air, cold winds, as well as the use of heating in a house, the protective function of water will already be affected. And, when hot water comes into the mix, the situation can worsen.

Also Read: Top 5 DIY Lip Scrubs That Help With Chapped Lips in Winter

How Hot Showers Hurt the Skin Barrier

Hot water tend to remove the oils from the skin much faster than the lukewarm water. These oils are crucial for keeping the skin hydrated and elastic. When the oils are steadily stripped off, the skin tends to dry, tighten, itch, and swell.

Dr Passi added, “Hot showers may provide temporary relief during the cold season, but they wash off the crucial lipids from the skin. Eventually, the skin barrier becomes weakened, leading to dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.” This is how hot showers impact our skin:

• Increased Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL): Hot water accelerates moisture evaporation from the skin
• Disruption of natural oils: The lipid layer that seals moisture gets damaged
• Aggravation of skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea may flare up
• Higher sensitivity: Skin becomes more reactive to soaps, fragrances, and cold air

Why Winter Worsens Skin Problems

During winter, sebaceous (oil) gland activity naturally reduces. It means that our skin is already doing less work to protect itself through the production of oil. The removal of this oil through the use of hot showers further impacts the skin’s ability to renew itself.

People often respond by using stronger soaps to feel clean, but harsh cleansers further strip moisture, creating a vicious cycle of dryness and irritation.

Also Read: No Time For Skincare? Here’s A Minimalist Routine For Office-goers

Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged

If hot showers are harming your skin, you may notice:

• Persistent dryness even after moisturising
• Tight or stretched feeling after bathing
• Itching, redness, or flaking
• Stinging when applying skincare products

“These signs indicate that your skin barrier needs urgent care,” Dr Passi shared.

How to Shower Safe in Winter Months

Dr Passi also explained that one can still take showers, its just that you only have to change the process of bathing. Here are some expert-approved tips:

• Lukewarm water instead of hot
• Reduce shower times to five to 10 minutes
• Use mild and pH or soap-free cleaners
• Pat skin dry rather than rubbing
• Use thick cream within three minutes of stepping out

Creams and ointments with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help repair the damaged barrier more effectively in winter.

Bottomline

Taking hot showers during winter might be very comforting, but exposure to high temperatures on a regular basis tends to reduce the skin barrier and increase dryness and sensitivity. Experts recommend to switch to lukewarm water and moisturise your skin as soon as you take the shower.