14 DAY TRIAL // Whether you shower daily or every other day, or even less frequently than that, you could still be making some mistakes while showering that do serious damage to your skin. Skin is the largest organ we have: it’s time we learned how to treat it right during and after a very relaxing shower.
The most important thing to remember, specialists tell The Huffington Post, is that you have to adjust your showering habits to the type of skin you have. If you know you’re prone to dry skin or getting very dry, itchy patches, then you must pay attention: this one is for you.
Don’t dry out the skin unnecessarily
A very common mistake is making the shower a very hot and preferably long one. Showers shouldn’t last more than 5 to 10 minutes, and be tepid, Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a dermatologist in Northern California, explains.
Hot water removes too much of the natural oils of the skin, while also boosting circulation, which could lead to rashes. People with already dry skin should take short, tepid or even cooler showers, and will see an improvement in how they feel later almost immediately.
Another thing that dries out the skin is washing vigorously with soap or other similar products: these are destined to remove oils and dirt from specific areas, so applied all over the body, they can create dryness and itchiness. Experts recommend washing with soap only those areas that really need washing, and rinsing the rest with water.
With age, you should also pay more attention to the kind of products you use in the shower: those that are commonly found in supermarkets tend to include many aggressive ingredients that can only make an already existing condition worse. Look for products that are gentle on the skin, and needless to say, that are designed especially for the dry kind, if you have it.
The same goes for products meant for haircare: buy shampoos and conditioners that are created for your type of hair, and remember to change it up as you advance in age.
Experts recommend not shampooing the hair more often than twice a week, as this tends to remove natural oils and lead to another series of problems. Shampooing it every day is beyond excessive, they say.
Remember to moisturize
Moisturizing is as important as knowing how to wash properly during the shower, the same piece says. You shouldn’t wait for more than 3 minutes after a shower to apply moisturizer, or else the skin will become too dry.
Avoid the temptation of drying yourself with a towel vigorously: the “correct” way to do it is by patting yourself gently with the towel, leaving some droplets behind, over which you will apply the moisturizer. Look for products that contain ceramide, which is a natural oil found in skin.
Last but not least, remember to replace your loofah or puff after 4 weeks of use. Your old one may look ok to your untrained, naked eye, but the moisture in it is perfect for all kinds of bacteria and even mold.