Is Dry Skin Cracking You Up?

Are you noticing drier skin than normal? Itchy? Maybe even a dry patch or two? It may be your shower routine. Did you know that long hot showers can lead to dry parched skin that is also more susceptible to bacterial infection? According to Board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Powers, MD, FAAD “Hot showers can lead to dryness and excessive issues with the skin”. If you’re anything like me, the last thing you do before bed is take long hot relaxing shower to wash away the day and unwind. But is it doing more damage than good? Dr. Emily McKenzie states “the hotter the water it is, the more oil and moisture is removed from your skin. The longer you're in the shower, the more that this process is prolonged.” I think with this information it is safe to say that those days of glorious steamed filled hot showers are over….joking of course. If you must take hot showers Dr. Powers recommends that you limit the time to no more than 5-10 minutes. Also be mindful of the type of soaps you use as harsh soaps and hot water combined can cause our skin to be stripped of not only its naturals oils, but also the microorganisms and good bacteria on the skin.

So what can we do to avoid these issues? The answer is simple, we moisturize. Because we are losing oils, it’s important to put oils back. Preferably ones that are antibacterial such as Shea Butter. As well as those with fatty acids which aids in improving the level of moisture on the skin, such as grapeseed oil. There are many other options including apricot oil, almond oil, and even olive oil. Just make sure that you’re picking a moisturizer that will best suit your skin and apply protection and hydration.

Source information:

Ask a Dermatologist: Do long, hot showers damage your skin? (n.d.). Aad.Org. Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/hot-showers-damage-skin

Hot Showers Can Dry Out Your Skin. (2019, April 30). University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_8qzmzdxl

Brady, K. B. (2019, October 18). Rubbing Grapeseed Oil on Your Face Can Make Your Skin Look Healthier and Younger. Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a26038564/grapeseed-oil-skin-benefits/