Bathing is an indispensable part of the habit of taking care of the body every day. However, some seemingly harmless habits when bathing can silently damage your skin, causing dry, flaky skin, and even prolonged itching.
Bathing in water that is too hot and prolongs time
A hot bath can bring a feeling of relaxation, but it is not good for the skin. The high water temperature will remove the natural oils (olation) on the skin's surface, the protective barrier helps the skin stay moist and soft. When this protective layer is broken, the skin becomes dry, more prone to irritation and sensitivity, according to Onlymyhealth.
How to fix it: switch to using warm water instead of hot water. The ideal shower time is 8 to 10 minutes, enough to clean the body without losing the skin's natural moisture.
Use soap to create strong foam
Many people like a clean feeling after bathing in foaming soap. However, soaps containing strong detergents such as sulfate and alcohol can upset the skin's pH balance, thinning the protective moisture layer and making the skin dry and flaky.
How to fix it: Choose a gentle shower product, containing glycerin, ceramide or shea butter, which is both clean and moisturizes the skin effectively.
Not moisturizing immediately after bathing
The habit of not applying moisturizer after bathing, or applying too late, is a common cause of rapid dehydration. In fact, after bathing, the skin is still moist and absorbs nutrients better.
How to fix it: You should apply moisturizer for 2-3 minutes after rinsing your skin. This time helps retain natural moisture, limit dry skin and maintain soft and smooth skin.
Excessive exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove aging skin, giving you a brighter, smoother skin. However, rubbing your skin too hard or exfoliating too often can damage the skin's patches, causing irritation and dehydration.
How to fix it: Exfoliate only 1-2 times a week, use mild products or natural ingredients such as oatmeal, low-concentrate lactic acid to avoid damaging the skin.
Use hard water to shower
Water sources are high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, also known as hard water, which can cause dry and itchy skin. These minerals easily stick to the skin's surface, causing clogged pores and reducing the effectiveness of skin care products after bathing.
How to fix it: If the water source is difficult to change, you can use a water softener, or apply a light layer of oil before bathing to protect your skin from the effects of hard water.
Wearing moist clothes or wrapping towels for too long after bathing
After bathing, many people have the habit of sitting in a warm cape or towel for a long time. However, this causes the skin to be exposed to moisture for a long time, which can cause dehydration, skin irritation, and even create conditions for bacteria to grow.
How to fix it: Use a soft towel to gently dry the skin, avoid scratching. Then, wear dry clothes immediately to keep your skin dry and clean.
