Today we’ll explore how to shower the right way, as seen through a dermatologist’s eyes. Who doesn’t love a soothing shower? Yet that lengthy, steamy rinse may actually work against your skin. Below are dermatologist-backed pointers, neatly gathered on nbcnews.com:
1. Don’t shower too often
If your days are fairly sedentary, consider dropping down to just a few showers each week. Those of us who hit the gym and rinse off more often should simply avoid lingering too long under the water.
2. Keep it short
Contact with water can leave both skin and hair parched. As a rule, briefer is better. If you have atopic dermatitis or very dry skin, target five minutes or fewer. Keep moving rather than standing under the stream for minutes on end.
3. Stay cool
Scalding water removes your skin’s natural oils and harms it more quickly. The ideal temperature is lukewarm or even a bit cooler.
4. Avoid washing your hair too much
Your routine should match your hair type, but over-washing can leave hair dry, particularly if it is gray or color-treated.
5. But don’t wash too little, either
Skipping scalp cleansing lets oils accumulate, which can trigger flaking and redness. Try to wash your scalp at least weekly.
6. Focus on the dirtiest areas
Arms and legs usually don’t require soap. When showering quickly, concentrate on your underarms, groin, and feet.
7. Cleanse with care
Certain experts say ordinary soap can rob your skin of its oils, so you might try a “cleanser” like a moisturizing body wash. That said, if your skin isn’t dry or irritated, regular soap is likely fine.
8. Start at the top
Washing from head to toe allows soap to travel downward naturally. If you’re prone to acne, try cleansing your face, chest, and back after you condition your hair.
9. Shaving? Do it last
Let the hair soften before you shave, though not excessively.
10. Pat yourself dry
Blot your skin with a towel rather than scrubbing hard, which can irritate and leave you itchy. Patting also keeps a little moisture on the surface, which you should lock in with moisturizer after every shower. Still, dry the skin folds, between your toes, the groin, and underarms to lower the chance of rash and infection.
11. Moisturize
Moisturize within two to three minutes of stepping out, forming a barrier that guards against “trans epidermal water loss” and keeps skin supple.
I’m Dr. Michael Hunter. Eager for more? Simply tap the Wellness! button at the top left of the page, and think about following this blog (use the comments section to do so). Thanks for spending time with me today!
