Taking a bath or showering regularly is a great hygiene practice, especially if you're frequently involved in physical activities or sweat a lot. It helps keep germs at bay and reduces the risk of infections and skin irritation. However, if you're not showering right, it can backfire. In fact, experts believe a lot of people (unknowingly) make one common mistake while taking a bath or showering. Read on to know what it is and what you can do differently.
The Most Common Mistake People Make While Showering
According to Dr Bhavuk Dhir, Consultant Dermatologist, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, one of the most common mistakes people make while showering is using very hot water and scrubbing their skin too harshly. "This can strip away the skin's natural oils and damage the outer protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity," he tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
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In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine showed that washing with hot water can damage your skin’s barrier, making it lose moisture and become red and irritated. Researchers suggested that cold or lukewarm water is much gentler on the skin, causing less water loss and redness, and helping keep skin healthy, especially for those with skin problems.
The doctor further explained that over-washing or using strong soaps can also disrupt the skin’s pH balance, leaving it more prone to conditions like eczema or itchiness.
What Is The Ideal Water Temperature For Showering?
“Lukewarm water is ideal for showering,” shares Dr Dhir, adding that it’s warm enough to cleanse effectively without causing irritation or dryness. “Hot water, though it may feel relaxing, can break down the lipid layer of the skin and strip away essential moisture, especially with prolonged exposure.”
How Often Should You Shower?
How often you shower depends on several factors, including your activity level, skin type, climate, and personal preferences.
However, Dr Dhir notes that showering more than once a day can be harmful, especially if you use soap each time or spend too long under the water. “Frequent showers can lead to dryness, irritation, and disruption of the skin’s microbiome.”
If you need to shower twice, keep the second one short and avoid soap unless necessary.
What Other Showering Mistakes Should People Avoid?
Apart from the water temperature for showering, there are other mistakes people often make.
Dr Dhir says, "Dermatologists discourage the regular use of loofahs and harsh scrubs because they can be too abrasive for the skin, causing microtears and irritation. Loofahs can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned and dried properly. Gentle hands or soft washcloths are usually sufficient for daily cleansing."
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Additionally, he advises against long showers, especially with hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils. These oils help keep your skin moisturised and act as a protective barrier. Losing them can lead to dryness, flaking, and irritation, especially during colder months.
It is also important to pay attention to the ingredients in the soap and body washes. “Avoid products with harsh sulphates like sodium lauryl sulphate, strong fragrances, alcohol, and artificial dyes, as they can be irritating and drying. Instead, look for gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleansers with moisturising ingredients like glycerin or ceramides,” recommends Dr Dhir.
Conclusion
While showering is important and seems simple, small mistakes can make a big difference to your skin’s health. From choosing the right water temperature to avoiding harsh soaps and loofahs, it's all about being gentle. Being mindful, avoiding the common mistakes, and making small tweaks can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and adequately moisturised, without causing dryness, redness, or irritation.