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Since hot water and steam strip your skin of its natural oils, the outermost layer of skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness and irritation, explains Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD,a dermatologist and RealSelf expert in Danville, California. It’s also more permeable, meaning it's more “reactive to external irritants or rough handling,” she says.
Hot water increases blood flow to the skin too, which can also make it more prone to irritation, dryness or even microscopic cracks, Dr. Khorasani says. “Additionally, water alone doesn’t hydrate skin—prolonged exposure can actually dehydrate it by drawing water out once the skin is exposed to air,” he adds. The products you’re using in the shower could be exacerbating these problems, says Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, a dermatologic cosmetic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. For instance, he says products with fragrance may irritate your skin and make it feel more sensitive after showering. “If your skin is sensitive to begin with, I recommend using products that are gentle and free of fragrance,” he explains. And stay away from super-hot showers, he adds: “An ideal shower temperature is one that is lukewarm because when the water is too hot, it can irritate the skin and dry it out.”
What Not To Do to Your Skin After a Shower
The friction could also cause micro-tears and intensify dryness, Dr. Khorasani adds.
Instead of roughly drying off, Dr. Sobel says, “You should gently pat your skin with the towel to get rid of the excess water.” Right after showering, also avoid picking at your skin, exfoliating or using products with ingredients like retinoids or acids, Dr. Badreshia-Bansal says. Otherwise, “You’re essentially treating already-compromised skin to more trauma,” she adds.Products with these kinds of ingredients may penetrate too deeply into freshly showered skin, which might cause irritation, Dr. Khorasani says. Wait until your skin is fully “dry and calm” before rubbing it, exfoliating or using retinoids or hydroxy acids, he recommends.
Related: Why Your Skin Is Breaking Out All of a Sudden—and What Your Body’s Trying To Tell You
She recommends moisturizers with three qualities: humectants, which draw water into the skin, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid; emollients to smooth the skin, such as squalene or ceramides; and occlusives, which lock in moisture, like petrolatum or shea butter. Products with these ingredients maintain hydration and support your skin barrier.
“Right after a shower, your skin loses water quickly through evaporation,” he explains. “If you apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, you lock in that hydration, restore lipids and support the barrier your skin naturally tries to maintain.”
Related: People Are Showering in the Wrong Order, Dermatologists Say
Sources:
“Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineHooman Khorasani, MD, a dermatologic and cosmetic surgeon Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a dermatologist and RealSelf expertHoward Sobel, MD, a dermatologic cosmetic surgeon at Lenox Hill HospitalHence then, the article about the one thing you should never ever do immediately after a hot shower according to dermatologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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