“Hot water strips away the skin’s natural oils, which are vital for keeping it hydrated and protecting it from environmental factors,” say Dr. Arti Sharma, Senior Aesthetic Consultant, Derma Puritys, and Dr. Simrat Sandhu, MD, Cosmetique The Aesthetic Centre (India). “Without this protective layer, your skin becomes dry and flaky, which tends to get worse in winter.”
Here are some reasons why hot showers can damage your skin:
Strips away skin's natural moisture
Hot water can dilate blood vessels and strip away natural oils from the skin. These oils help protect the skin from dehydration. When these oils are stripped away, the skin becomes dry, cracked, and loses its natural softness.
Causes skin irritation and inflammation
Taking a hot bath can increase your body temperature and dilate your blood vessels. This can make your skin sensitive and prone to irritation, especially for those with thin or inflamed skin. Damaged skin can lead to problems such as redness, itching, or even dermatitis.
Increased risk of acne
When your skin dries out from a hot shower, your body responds by producing more oil to compensate. This can clog pores, allowing bacteria to grow and causing acne.
Weakens the skin barrier
Your skin has a natural protective layer that helps keep out harmful environmental factors like bacteria, pollutants, and allergens. Taking hot showers or baths too often can weaken this protective layer, leaving your skin more vulnerable.
Skin aging faster
The loss of moisture and dryness of the skin from hot showers can lead to wrinkles and premature aging. Dehydrated skin becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkles.
Tips to protect your skin when taking a hot bath:
Reduce water temperature: Bathe with warm water, not too hot, to avoid drying out your skin.
Short bath time: Avoid bathing for too long, only bathe for about 10-15 minutes.
Moisturize immediately after bathing: After bathing, use a moisturizer to help retain moisture in your skin.
Choose gentle products: Use soaps and shower gels that are gentle and do not contain alcohol or other ingredients that dry out the skin.
