7 Shower Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Skin

Although showering is something you do regularly, some of the ways you soap, lather, and rinse may compromise your skin. This is especially true if you notice dry skin, redness, itching, and exacerbated skin issues. 

Continue reading as we list the seven skincare mistakes in the shower and what you can do instead so your skin stays healthy and hydrated.

1. Using extremely hot water 

While some people find hot water calming or therapeutic, hot baths and showers can irritate and inflame your skin. Apart from redness and itching, it can also cause peeling and dryness and aggravate other skin conditions. Hot water, furthermore, strips your skin of the natural oils needed to keep it healthy.

What to do: Stick to lukewarm water or choose a temperature that feels comfortable for you. 

2. Showering too long

Just like the first one, staying in the shower too long can strip your skin of its natural oils. And without enough moisture, you are likely to have dry skin and develop associated skin issues. This is more problematic if you shower too long and use hot water; it can cause your skin to lose more oil and moisture.

What to do: Keep your showers short– about five to 10 minutes. Make sure to use a non-drying soap/body wash or choose something labeled as moisturizing. 

3. Using body soaps on your face

Regular bar or body soaps are too harsh for the delicate skin on your face. Using them instead of a mild cleanser can disrupt the skin barrier function and alter your skin’s pH levels. This can then dry out and irritate your skin, as well as make you susceptible to developing dull skin, redness, acne, inflammation, and other skin issues.

What to do: Ditch the soap; use a gentle face cleanser that is right for your skin type. Visit drsylviaskincare.com for mild formulas that cleanse the skin without over stripping it and other medical-grade products that deliver multilayer fortification to the skin.  

4. Using the same towel for your face and body

You have separate products for your body and face and that should be the case when it comes to your towels. This is because dirt, bacteria, and even mildew from an overused towel can be easily transferred to your face. The products you apply to your body shouldn’t also end up on your face, as they can clog pores or cause breakouts.

What to do: Use separate towels for drying your face and body. Replace old, overused, and rough towels with soft, absorbent ones. For the face, choose a cotton blend or a soft and fluffy microfiber towel. Wash bath towels at least once a week and face towels every other day. 

5. Rubbing the skin dry or harshly

When done frequently, harsh rubbing when drying off can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation. This applies to both your face and body. You should also know that towels can become rougher and worn down overtime, so you need to be gentle when using them or replace them with a new one. 

What to do: Blotting or patting dry is the best way to go. It is also advisable to leave the skin slightly damp after a shower and apply lotion/moisturizer within five minutes. This helps the skin absorb all the ingredients in your products or seal in moisture.

6. Shaving your legs in your morning shower

The optimal time to shave, according to experts, is at night. This is because during your slumber, your legs warm and swell a bit, which means that the hairs retreat back into their follicles and are less obvious. As the hairs don’t stick out as much, you are likely to miss spots and not get a close shave. 

What to do: Shave your legs at night or before you hit the sack. Use a shaving gel or cream and make sure that your razor is not dull or rusty. You might also want to consider laser hair reduction for longer-lasting results. This targets the pigment of the follicle, resulting in permanent hair reduction. This means no more waxing or shaving! 

For further reading: Hair Removal Methods: Ranked from Worst to Best

7. Using loofah

While many love using loofah (sometimes spelled luffa) to cleanse and exfoliate their skin, it can sometimes do more harm than good. This is because germs, dead skin cells, and mold can harbor in these tools, including sponges and brushes. This can do the opposite of cleansing your skin, as it can trap bacteria in your pores if you have an open cut. 

What to do: Washcloths are a good alternative, as they have a gentle exfoliating effect and help spread soaps or body washes easily. You can just hand wash them after use or throw them into a washing machine. There are also exfoliating cleansers (without microbeads) that can remove dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities.

For more skincare tips and product recommendations, browse through our blog. And if you have skin issues you wish to treat or improve, don’t hesitate to contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.