Nothing feels better than a steaming shower on a cold day, but dermatologists say your skin pays for it. Here is their guidance.
Hot Water Strips Your Skin
Hot water washes away the natural oils that form the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to cracking. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that long, hot showers are especially drying. People with eczema feel the damage first.
Lukewarm Is the Sweet Spot
The AAD recommends warm or lukewarm water, roughly in the high 90s to 100 degrees, rather than steaming hot. That range cleans effectively without stripping oils. If the water turns your skin red, dermatologists say it is too hot.
Keep It Short
The AAD advises keeping showers to five to ten minutes. Longer soaks give hot water more time to break down the skin barrier. A quick shower still gets you clean while leaving moisture where it belongs.
Moisturize While Damp
Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer immediately after bathing, while skin is still slightly damp, to lock in hydration. Ointments and creams work better than thin lotions. Dr. Stephen Stone of the AAD also advises patting skin dry rather than rubbing, which irritates.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic
