The Shower Habit Aging Your Skin

Nothing soothes my sore muscles, wakes me up on a groggy morning, or helps me wind down at the end of a long day like a nice, warm, relaxing shower. In fact, I’m noticing that the older I get, the hotter I want that shower to be, as it helps my increasingly achy bones and muscles. But ironically, that hot water I want as I get older might be making me look older as well. 

Scalding Water Can Age You Faster

Very hot water strips away the natural oils in your skin that help it stay hydrated and promote elasticity. Hot showers can also disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier, which helps lock in moisture and protects skin from irritants and environmental hazards. 

Hot water can cause your skin to dry out much faster than lower-temperature water does, too. It can also lead to inflammation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin — elements you need for firmer, younger-looking skin. 

How to Prevent Premature Aging From Showering

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent your showers from speeding up the aging process of your skin. The big key is to keep your skin moisturized. Protecting your skin’s moisture can also keep it from feeling itchy or irritated after a shower — two other effects of very dry skin. 

Here are a few tips to care for your skin, both in and out of the shower.

1. Shower in Lukewarm Water

Don’t crank the heat all the way up for your daily suds session, but you also don’t need to freeze — no cold plunges here. Use warm water instead of scalding hot water for your shower. 

2. Keep it Short

Long showers, even at cooler temperatures, can still dry out your skin. Keep your shower to between five and 10 minutes, tops. 

3. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Mild, fragrance-free cleansers are gentler on your skin. Harsh soaps can strip your body’s natural oils and irritate sensitive skin. Use a cleanser like CeraVe Soothing Body Wash or Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash to soothe and clean skin without stripping away its moisture. 

4. Scrub Carefully

Exfoliators, loofahs, and other abrasive materials can damage your skin if you use them too often. In fact, people with very sensitive skin may want to skip exfoliating entirely. 

If you choose to exfoliate, you’ll want to do it between one to three times a week, depending on your skin type. Don’t scrub too hard, and watch for skin irritation and sensitivity to make sure you don’t overdo it. And if you’re unsure whether to exfoliate, consult a dermatologist or skin care specialist before starting. 

5. Pat Dry

Pat yourself gently rather than rubbing yourself dry with your towel to remove excess water after a shower. This leaves more moisture locked in and avoids friction, making it better for your skin all around.  

6. Moisturize Right Away

Moisturize right after you pat dry, when your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in hydration and keep your skin from drying out. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturizer, and Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion are all great for sensitive skin and are fragrance-free. 

7. Humidify

If you live in a dry climate, you may want to use a humidifier to keep your skin moisturized as well. This Dreo Humidifier covers up to 300 square feet, making it a great choice for a bedroom or home office. The Levoit Superior Smart Humidifier covers up to 3,000 square feet, so it will work in an entire house. It can be controlled with a smartphone, and has low noise and light levels so it won’t disturb light sleepers.

Feature Image Credit: PeopleImages/ iStock