5 Mistakes to Avoid While Taking a Shower — Water Too Hot, Harsh Products and More

Taking a shower seems like second nature and usually requires little or no thought from people. However, unknown to many, several mistakes hamper the experience.

Something as basic as taking a shower seems straightforward, but unknown to many of us, we might be doing our skin a disservice with the somewhat routine procedures we have been accustomed to.

These mistakes sometimes leave us with itchy and dry skin after bathing, which isn't what we desire. Luckily, being aware of our mistakes while showering can be the first step to having an enjoyable experience.

USING TOO HOT WATER

A steamy shower seems like a wonderful way to start or end a hectic day, but cranking up the temperature can have adverse effects on one's skin. The heat strips the skin of moisture, taking away the natural lubricants produced by the sebum.

It also raises your body's core temperature while taking away the natural essential oils in the hair. For people with lighter skin color, hot water brings about blood circulation, which results in a red coloration. Instead, opt for lukewarm temperatures.

HARSH PRODUCTS ARE A NO NO

Aggressive products strip your skin of the natural oils, and combining them with a hot shower can be a recipe for disaster. Harsh products can come in the form of fragranced soaps or sometimes your shampoo that drips down your skin.

It is advisable to go for moisturizers with ceramides and humectants.

It is best to go for products with hydrating and moisturizing effects. It is also advisable that when washing your hair, you tilt your hair backward to avoid your shampoo and conditioner from irritating your skin.

SHOWERING FOR TOO LONG

While it might be therapeutic to sit under the shower for long, staying for a while in the shower can result in dry, itchy skin as it strips it of the needed moisture. According to Dr. Farris, who spoke to HuffPost:

"You shouldn't shower for more than 5 to 10 minutes. Shorter is better."

FAILURE TO MOISTURIZE IMMEDIATELY

According to dermatologists, waiting longer than three minutes to moisturize your body after a shower causes your skin to lose moisture. This is because the process of a shower is naturally oil-stripping even though you make it short.

Experts suggest that within the first 60 seconds of coming out of the shower, pat away the excess water and liberally moisturize your body from head to toe. It is advisable to go for moisturizers with ceramides and humectants.

PATTING YOUR SKIN DRY

It seems natural to many to wipe the skin dry with their towels after a shower before beginning the process of moisturizing. Unfortunately, this often results in the skin feeling dry and flaky, especially in cold weather.

Instead, pat away the excess water gently, leaving some droplets behind before you moisturize. This helps trap moisture as the damp nature of your skin absorbs your product much better than dry skin.