Taking a shower relaxes you but dry skin after shower is not the thing you want. There are many reasons why you might have dry skin after shower such as chilly weather or certain medical condition.
Besides these reasons there is a hygiene habit which is harmless yet it can worse condition of your dry and flaky skin and that is covering your whole body with soap when you bathe.
You will be surprise to know that using soap on every inch of skin could be damaging your dermal layer as soap can increase dryness by striping the essential moisture from your skin.
About this problems some dermatologists explains why you need to limit the lathering and what to do for supple and saturated skin.
Reason behind why over washing causes dry skin
Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells that “We are living in a society of over-washers”.
He says good hygiene is important and it is important to wash out the visible soiling from the skin and need to cleanse some areas like face, underarms on a daily basis.
However, water can be sufficient to wash other areas especially in the case of people who are suffering the medical conditions such as dry skin and eczema in which the dermal layer of the skin is already damaged and using soap on this kind of condition can cause impairment in the functioning of the skin.
Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology says that this can be helpful to the people who are more likely to prone the skin breakout and skin infections such as bacterial infection.
These folks need to wash out daily their skin to remove oils, dirt and bacteria because their accumulation may lead to pop up the acne and can cause clogged pores and folliculitis.
Showering tips for dry skin
Here are some simple things to do to prevent dry skin after shower.
1. Avoid Hot Water
According to Dr. Zeichner we should avoid using hot water while taking a shower. He says that “Our minds may like hot temperatures, but our skin does not and excessive exposure to hot water can strip the skin of essential oils and damage the outer skin layer”.
So make sure to avoid too hot water and try to use lukewarm water have a temperature between 86-88 degrees Fahrenheit or you can say temperature around you should the temperature of water in summertime.
2. Do not take shower for too long
if you are used to take long shower than don’t do this because this can lead loss of moisture and make your skin more dry .so Dr. Chang says to keep your shower short to prevent dryness.
3. Using a Hydrating Soap
Dr. Zeichner says that “True soaps have an alkaline pH, whereas the skin is naturally acidic”. Additionally he said that alteration in the skin pH can disturb the capability to protect skin from the outer environment that causes irritation and dryness.
Dr. Chang also acknowledges the fact that harsh soaps contain alcohols and surfactants which can take away the natural lipids and followed the dryness of skin.
Dr. Zeichner recommends Dove sensitive skin body wash that contain non-soap, ultra gentle cleansing ingredients with hydrators for dry skin.
4. Choose Showers over Baths
Dr. Zeichner recommends choosing shower over bathe although bathing can soften the skin and sometimes can be beneficial. But he also says to limit the shower of hot water to prevent dry skin.
Additionally he says “Therapeutic baths using additives like oatmeal serve a different role, providing the skin with active ingredients to calm, soothe and repair”.
5. Gently Pat to dry the skin
Dr. Chang says that “Rubbing dry skin can weaken the skin barrier and cause irritation”.
She also recommends avoiding using scrubs, loofahs or washcloths as they can cause irritation and inflammation.
So make sure to keep in mind to avoid rubbing and try to pat the skin gently that enhance blood circulation.
6. Moisturize skin after shower
Make sure to moisturize your skin as soon as possible after shower.
According to Dr. Chang you should moisturize your skin within three minutes of shower so that moisture can be locked inside the skin and prevent dryness.
She also recommends using thicker eczema cream and ointment instead of lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin and avoid worsen your eczema after showers.
As per the recommendation of American Academy of Dermatology association go for the moisturizer containing components like glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, jojoba oil, lanolin, shea butter and petrolatum
7. Shower inside close place
Dr. Chang recommends taking shower in a closed place. Dr. Chang says that doing this preserve the humidity inside that help you to avoid dry skin after showers.
