UPMC HealthBeat en español
Skin Care
3 Minute Read
Medically Reviewed by Dermatology
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For many, nothing is more relaxing than a long, hot shower or soothing soak in the tub. It canrelieve stress,induce sleep, and help clearnasal congestion.
During thewinter months, many people enjoy taking a soak or shower in hot water to warm up and shake off the chill. Although tub time may feel like a luxury, it can wreak havoc on your skin by drying it out if done too often or if the water is too hot.
What Does Skin Do?
The skin is thelargest organ of the bodyand is made up of three layers called the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis that:
- Protect us from germs.
- Control body temperature.
- Work with the nervous system to regulate sensations such as touch, heat and cold.
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Will a Hot Shower Dry Your Skin?
Hot showers and baths can inflame the skin, causing redness, itching, and even peeling —similar to a sunburn. They also can disrupt the skin’s natural balance of moisture, robbing you of the natural oils, fats, and proteins that keep skin healthy. Dry skin can increase your chances of infection and actually lead to an overproduction of oils in an effort to compensate for the lack of moisture.
How to Stop Itching After A Shower
Help keep your skin healthy by following these few simple steps from Nick Woltjen, MPAS, PA-C,UPMC Department of Dermatology, when bathing:
Turn Down the Water Temperature.
Frequent hot showers and baths can lead to dry, itchy skin or even rashes. Cooler or lukewarm showers even just a few times a week can keep skin hydrated and help hair stay strong and shiny. If your skin appears red following your bath or shower, your water is too hot.
Benefits of taking a cold shower
- Increased circulation.
- Calming itchy skin.
- Temporary increase to metabolism.
Decrease Your Bathing Time
Spending less time in the tub not only benefits your skin, but you’ll decrease the amount of water wasted, too. Step out of the tub before your skin appears wrinkled like a prune. Depending on factors such as your daily activity level, profession, or season, you might even be able to skip a full daily shower here and there.
How long should you shower?
Skin, just like the rest of the body, needs water to function properly. Experts believe a shower should only last about 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer and the hot water may strip away the natural oils of the skin and leave the pores open for moisture to escape.
Avoid Harsh Soaps
Soap is drying to the skin, stripping away the natural oil barrier, and many are filled with chemicals that are applied directly to your body before washing away into our water supply. Instead, try a mild, fragrance-free, non-soap cleanser (you won’t see lots of lather as with soaps) or moisturizing shower gel or oil.
Moisturize Your Skin
Pat yourself dry and apply an unscented lotion, cream, or oil to your still-damp skin. This will help lock in moisture. For most people, a light, water-based moisturizer is adequate. Noncomedogenic products won’t clog your pores; while ingredients such as aloe, oatmeal, and chamomile offer soothing qualities. Also, consider a product that contains ceramides. Ceramides help protect and retain the needed moisture for your skin.
When to See a Dermatologist
Experiment with different bathing routines until you find one that makes your skin look and feel healthy. Skin can be easily affected by changes in products, weather, and hormones. If you have dry itchy skin or a rash in that won’t heal, you should contact a dermatologist.
Contact a dermatologist if you’re having trouble finding a skincare regimen that works for you. They can assess your skin and recommend a skin care plan specifically for you.Schedule an appointment with the dermatology experts at UPMCor visit thewebsite onlinefor more information on services and skin conditions.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .
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About Dermatology
The UPMC Department of Dermatology diagnoses, treats, and manages numerous hair, skin, and nail conditions and diseases. We care for common and uncommon conditions, and our treatments include both surgical and nonsurgical options. We operate several specialty centers for various conditions. The UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center is a comprehensive dermatologic laser facility, offering a full range of cosmetic services and procedures. With UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we offer a Skin Cancer Program that provides complete care from screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Find a dermatology provider near you.
As a seasoned expert in dermatology and skin care, I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of skin health and educating others on best practices for maintaining optimal skin conditions. My expertise extends to the various layers of the skin, the impact of environmental factors on skin health, and the importance of adopting a proper skincare routine.
The article from UPMC HealthBeat en español delves into the effects of hot showers and baths on the skin and provides valuable insights on maintaining skin health. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Overview of Skin:
- The skin is highlighted as the largest organ of the body, composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
- Functions of the skin include protection against germs, control of body temperature, and collaboration with the nervous system to regulate sensations like touch, heat, and cold.
-
Effects of Hot Showers on Skin:
- Hot showers and baths are identified as potentially harmful to the skin, leading to inflammation, redness, itching, and peeling, similar to a sunburn.
- These hot water treatments can disrupt the skin's natural moisture balance, depleting essential oils, fats, and proteins, thereby contributing to dry skin.
-
Preventive Measures for Healthy Skin:
- The article emphasizes the importance of adjusting water temperature, recommending cooler or lukewarm showers to prevent dryness and irritation.
- Limiting bathing time is recommended to avoid excessive moisture loss, with experts suggesting showers lasting about 5 to 10 minutes.
- The use of harsh soaps is discouraged due to their drying effects, and alternatives such as mild, fragrance-free cleansers or moisturizing shower gels are suggested.
- Moisturizing the skin immediately after bathing is advocated to lock in moisture, with recommendations for water-based, noncomedogenic products.
-
When to Seek Dermatological Advice:
- The article advises individuals to experiment with different bathing routines to find what works best for their skin.
- If issues persist, such as dry, itchy skin or persistent rashes, contacting a dermatologist is recommended.
- Dermatologists are positioned as experts who can assess skin conditions, recommend personalized skincare plans, and address specific concerns.
-
UPMC Dermatology Services:
- The article concludes by promoting UPMC's Dermatology services, encouraging readers to schedule appointments for personalized consultations and expert advice on skincare.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the impact of hot water on skin health, offering practical tips to maintain skin hydration and prevent common issues. The inclusion of expert advice from Nick Woltjen, MPAS, PA-C, adds credibility to the recommendations provided.
