Dermatologists warn: hot showers are harmful to the skin.

According to ТСН: Many people treat their daily shower as a normal part of their day, but in reality, these popular practices can negatively affect the skin. Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, a dermatologist from Iowa Health Care, debunked common myths about the 'proper' approach to washing and explained why it is advisable to avoid hot water and excessive amounts of cosmetic products.

Water temperature: the main mistake

While a hot shower can help you relax after a hard day, it washes away the skin's natural protective barrier. High temperatures strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Experts recommend using warm (lukewarm) water and limiting shower time.

“Your skin is a barrier. You need to treat it gently. Sometimes 'too much' good only does harm,” Dr. Negbenebor noted in a comment for the Associated Press.

Five recommendations from doctors for the perfect shower

To keep your skin healthy and moisturized, dermatologists suggest five basic rules:

1. Control time and temperature. Choose a short shower with moderately warm water to help avoid itching and flaking.

2. Choose the right soap. Avoid products with strong fragrances. It is best to use soap for sensitive skin. Antibacterial soap should only be used on medical advice, as it can severely dry the skin.

3. Forget about 'double cleansing.' The popular method on social media (first oil-based, then water-based) is often unnecessary and can disrupt the skin's natural balance.

4. Moisturize after washing, not during. Oily products are not needed during the shower, but applying oil or lotion to damp skin immediately after washing is an excellent way to lock in moisture.

5. Be careful with scrubbing. Over-excessive scrubbing or using harsh sponges can damage the skin. If you want to refresh it, choose products with lactic or glycolic acids—they work milder than mechanical scrubs.

Experts emphasize that the main purpose of a shower is to remove sweat and dirt, not to test all available cosmetic products on the skin.

These tips can help many avoid unpleasant consequences of improper skin care. It is worth remembering that simple changes in daily habits can lead to significant improvement in skin condition. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is important to pay attention to the quality of products and ways of using them.