5 bathing habits that can harm your skin

Many people believe that bathing frequently or scrubbing the body thoroughly with soap makes the skin healthier. However, the opposite can be true. Certain common bathing habits can strip away the skin’s natural oils and weaken its protective barrier.

As a result, the skin may become dry, tight, rough, and more sensitive. To keep your skin healthy and soft, it is important to bathe correctly, use a suitable cleanser, and apply a moisturiser promptly after bathing.

1. Bathing with very hot water

Many people enjoy taking long, hot showers, especially during cold weather. However, this habit can cause significant damage to the skin.

Hot water removes the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and sometimes flaky. Those who already have dry skin are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022 found that prolonged exposure to very hot water weakens the skin’s protective barrier, increases water loss through evaporation, and contributes to dryness and redness.

2. Using harsh soaps and heavily fragranced products

Not all soaps are equally beneficial for the skin. Harsh chemical soaps, antibacterial soaps, and heavily fragranced body washes can weaken the skin’s protective barrier.

Regular use of such products may increase the risk of skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. People with sensitive or dry skin are advised to choose mild, fragrance-free, skin-friendly cleansers.

Research published in Contact Dermatitis in 2021 found that fragranced skincare products are associated with a higher risk of allergic reactions, particularly among women and individuals with sensitive skin.

3. Scrubbing the skin too hard

Some people scrub their skin vigorously with a loofah, brush, or scrubber while bathing. Others rub their skin aggressively with a towel to dry it quickly.

This can cause minor damage to the outer layer of the skin, leading to irritation, redness, and dryness. Instead, dermatologists recommend gently patting the skin dry with a soft towel.

A study published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing also reported that repeated vigorous scrubbing can damage the skin’s protective barrier.

4. Bathing too frequently

During hot weather, many people bathe two or three times a day because of excessive sweating. While this may provide temporary freshness, it also removes the skin’s natural oils more frequently.

Using soap every time can further reduce the skin’s moisture. If frequent bathing is necessary, use a mild cleanser and apply a moisturiser after every shower.

5. Skipping moisturiser after bathing

The skin retains some natural moisture immediately after bathing. Applying a moisturiser at this stage helps lock in that moisture and keeps the skin hydrated for longer.

If you wait too long to apply moisturiser, much of the skin’s moisture will already have evaporated. Therefore, applying a moisturiser within a few minutes after bathing is considered the most effective approach.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that moisturisers help maintain skin hydration and reduce excessive water loss.

Who should take extra care?

The following individuals should pay special attention to their bathing habits:

• People with eczema
• People with psoriasis
• People with diabetes
• Individuals with naturally dry skin
• People with sensitive skin
• Older adults, whose skin naturally loses moisture with age

Tips for healthy skin while bathing

A few simple changes to your bathing routine can help keep your skin healthy and well-hydrated:

• Limit bathing time to 5–10 minutes.
• Use lukewarm rather than very hot water.
• Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap or cleanser.
• Avoid scrubbing your skin aggressively with a loofah or brush.
• Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.
• Apply a moisturiser within 3–5 minutes after bathing.
• If you need to bathe frequently because of excessive sweating, use a mild cleanser.
• Make it a habit to apply moisturiser after every bath or shower.

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