How Do Hot Showers Affect Your Skin In Winter?

Cold water showers have been praised always for their various benefits, but it is not really an option when it is chilly out. Many of us opt for very hot showers or baths, thinking that the biting cold is what is causing dryness, so why not crank the heat up and make it all better? This assumption is very wrong and we will tell you. We do understand that there may be some days where nothing but a HOT shower/bath will do. On those days, just remember to give your skin some extra TLC.

How Hot Water Impacts Skin Health During Winter-

A hot shower or bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles, chase body ache away and also help you emerge from the loo feeling warm and comfy. The steam you inhale also helps your lungs and nasal passages stay clear, so you continue to breathe better. But, hot water or very hot water can damage the skin barrier and cause it to dry out excessively. Moisture is already at an all time low during winter, so it makes no sense for you to make it worse. Not only will your skin feel extra dry, you may also have to deal with some ‘winter itch’. The top most epidermis of your skin is the layer that helps seal in moisture, so if that gets damaged, then you know what can go wrong. The impact of hot showers on eczema-prone skin in winter is particularly bad, as your skin can look very dry, rough, flaky and even feel very irritated.

Best Shower Practices To Protect Skin During Winter Months-

The temperature of your bath water is important, which is why we have listed out the benefits of lukewarm showers-

• The main priority for you is to understand your skin type. If you have dry skin, then you should consider showering less often. With combination or oily skin, you will need to bathe more often.
• You should limit the exposure to water to below 15 minutes- that means you shouldn’t take a bath till your fingertips look like prunes.
• Try to invest in soaps and body washes or shower gels that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerine.
• Your scalp health is also important. Dandruff related issues crop up now in the winter. So, see if you can switch to a gentler shampoo or use only conditioner as needed.
• You should obviously drink lots of water, though you may not feel that thirsty.
• If you love to exercise or work out, then you will sweat. Not showering afterwards is NOT an option. So, stick to lukewarm ones and you should be fine.
• Always remember to use a thick or cream based moisturiser or lotion with active ingredients that will help protect your skin. You can apply petroleum jelly too for better results. 
• Hair can feel rough, dull and lifeless in the winter. So, make sure to oil the scalp and use a gentle shampoo with conditioner, to help reduce static electricity and prevent rough hair and split ends.
• You should NEVER rub water away from your skin. Instead patting dry is better. Apply moisturiser when your skin is still damp, to seal in the good stuff.

Conclusion

Hot water baths may feel very comforting in the winter but if you have long, hot showers, you are doing more damage than good. Dry skin is already an issue, so why make it worse? Having shorter showers with lukewarm or cooler water is the best this season. Your skincare routine also should change according to your skin type and how exposed you may be to the elements. Talk to a dermatologist if you have persistent issues with dryness, flakiness or face unbearable itching and sensitivity due to the cold weather.