Dry skin can be caused by many factors, including not drinking enough water, the natural aging process, and seasonal changes. Daily shower routines can also play a role in causing this. Instead of feeling refreshed after a shower, your skin may end up dry and flaky. What shower habits can lead to dry skin? Find out more below.

Shower Habits Mistakes That Can Cause Dry Skin

Bath is a part of everyday life. If your skin feels dry after every shower, imagine the impact if the same mistakes continue day after day. To help prevent your skin from becoming even drier, pay attention to these common shower habits that can lead to dry skin:

1. Staying Too Long in Warm Bath

A warm bath often feels very soothing. After a long, tiring day, it is natural to take your time in the bathroom and cleanse your body thoroughly. Warm water can help relax tense muscles, but spending too much time in warm water may actually dry out your skin. Using water with hot temperature and standing under it for a long period of time can strip away the skin’s natural oils and damage the outer protective layer of the skin. If you prefer warm showers, try to use comfortably warm water at about 37-38 degrees Celsius and avoid temperatures higher than 41 degrees Celsius.

2. Using the Wrong Soap

The type of soap you choose also affects your skin’s condition. Ideally, you should select a cleanser that contains moisturizing ingredients and still cleans effectively. If you have skin conditions such as eczema or very sensitive skin, choose a soap with extra moisturizing properties or one that has been recommended by your dermatologist.

3. Not Rinsing Properly

Rushing through a shower sometimes leads to incomplete cleanse. Over time, this habit can irritate your skin and make it feel even drier, especially if the soap you use already tends to dry out the skin.

4. Scrubbing the Skin Too Aggressively

Many people like using a loofah, shower puff, or washcloth to help remove dirt and dead skin cells when they shower. Gentle exfoliation can indeed support skin regeneration and exfoliate dead skin ccells. However, scrubbing the skin too aggressively can wear down and damage the skin’s surface.

The same habit applies after you step out of the shower. Drying off by rubbing your skin with a towel vigorously can also harm your skin barrier. A better way to clean your skin is to avoid rubbing your hair and body. Instead, gently press or pat the towel against your skin to absorb the water.

Tips for Preventing Dry Skin After a Shower

You can help prevent dry skin after a shower by keeping your shower time to about 5-10 minutes. Use a soap or body cleanser that contains a higher level of moisturizer. After showering, apply a moisturizing cream all over your body. Look for products that contain ingredients such as jojoba oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or shea butter.

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