Are hot showers bad for your skin? Here’s what dermatologists have to say
While taking a hot shower can feel relaxing in the moment, it’s stripping your skin of moisture.
While both Campbell and Rayhan recommend against taking hot showers, there are other habits to avoid doing that could further harm your skin’s natural barrier. In addition to hot water, regularly using harsh soaps, body washes with strong fragrances, loofahs, wash cloths and anything that rubs against the body or face can further damage your skin, according to Campbell. In fact, you should use soap sparingly when showering. “Limit soap to face, underarms and groin unless you are dirty in other places and use a fragrance free gentle soap like Dove or Vanicream Wash,” says Campbell.
Additionally, if you do take hot showers, it’s even crucial that you use a body lotion, ointment or cream — this will help restore your skin’s natural moisture, according to our experts. “Moisturizing immediately after you finish helps to trap the moisture that enters your skin in the shower and keep it hydrated,” says Rayhan. “This may help avoid dry skin, itching, worsening eczema, and the temporary but harmful effects on your skin’s appearance.”
To defend your skin against the effects of hot showers, Campbell recommends using an ointment, such as CeraVe’s Healing Ointment. . If you find ointments too sticky, you can use a body cream or lotion — anything is better than putting nothing on your skin post shower.
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Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he writes about cooking, cleaning, lifestyle and wellness. He spoke with board-certified dermatologists for their guidance about hot showers and product recommendations to use to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
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