Showering isn’t a very elaborate task. You simply get in and go through the motions the way you’ve been doing since childhood. But it turns out, it’s possible to do it the wrong way and inadvertently harm your skin. In fact, a lot of people make some mistakes when showering without even realizing it.
Here are seven common mistakes people make while in the shower:
1. Scrubbing too vigorously
Scrubbing too hard with a loofah or washcloth can ruin the natural protective layer on your skin, making it more prone to irritation. Showering without using a loofah will still be enough to make your skin clean, but if it’s hard for you to break the habit, at least try not to use a loofah every day.
2. Showering in steaming hot water
Showering in hot water may be pleasant and relaxing, especially at the end of a long, hard day, but it’s bad for the same reason overusing your loofah is harmful. To prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated, shower in warm water – at (or slightly below or above) your body temperature.
3. Staying in the shower for too long
While in the shower, your mind may start to wander to the monotonous sound of running water, and you may lose track of time. But long showers can deprive your skin of its natural protective barrier and make it dry and flaky. It’s best to limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less.
4. Forgetting to moisturize
Moisturizing should be a part of your post-shower routine. Apply a moisturizer right after you finish showering to effectively lock in moisture and keep your skin soft.
5. Using harsh shower gels and other body care products
Do you know what’s in your shower gel and shampoo? Most of these products available on the market contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which is a foaming agent. It’s deemed safe by the FDA, but overusing products that contain it can cause your skin to become dry. It’s recommended to avoid using antibacterial and deodorant soaps and other products, as they contain substances that can cause skin irritation. Make sure to rinse off well any shower gels, conditioners, and shampoos that you use.
6. Rubbing your skin with a towel
Rubbing your skin dry with a towel after getting out of shower is one of the things that can cause irritation. Instead of rubbing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. If you have time, it’s best to just pat your skin until it’s damp and let it finish drying on its own.
7. Using shampoo every day
Sebum is a fatty substance that is secreted by your sebaceous (oil) glands and protects your skin from environmental irritants. If you shampoo your hair every day, it can lead your scalp to become dry and flaky, and your hair will become greasy more quickly. If your hair is oily, try shampooing it every other day.
