Showering seems straightforward, but it’s a whole different ballgame in the winter. If you’re wondering why your skin and hair might not be at their best during the colder months, dermatologists have some insights that might surprise you. Here’s a deep dive into common showering mistakes and how to turn your routine around for healthier skin and hair.
Mistake #1: Cranking up the heat
While it’s tempting to turn your bathroom into a steam room to beat the cold, super-hot showers are actually a big no-no. According to Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, prolonged exposure to hot water can severely dehydrate your skin, stripping it of essential oils and causing irritation or even flare-ups for those with sensitive skin. The key is to limit your shower time to 5 to 7 minutes and keep the temperature just warm enough to be comfortable—below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps preserve your skin’s natural moisture and maintain its protective barrier, which is crucial for overall dry skin health.
Mistake #2: Overdoing it with daily showers
Showering every day can be overkill, especially in winter when the air is drier. Dr. Robinson explains that frequent showering can lead to skin problems like dryness, irritation, and even conditions like eczema by disrupting the skin’s natural balance of oils. Cutting back to showering every other day can make a significant difference, allowing your skin to retain its natural oils and stay hydrated. This adjustment in your routine can also prevent the itchy, flaky skin that often comes with colder weather.
Mistake #3: The wrong soap can strip your skin
Ditching traditional bar soaps for gentler, soap-free body washes can prevent your skin from drying out. Dr. Robinson warns that bar soaps can remove the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. Instead, opt for moisturizing body washes with ingredients like glycerin or shea butter, which cleanse gently while providing an extra layer of moisture. Following up with an in-shower body lotion like Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer can add a quick and easy hydration boost that your dry skin will absorb more effectively while it’s still damp from the shower.
Mistake #4: The Traits of winter shaving
Reducing shaving frequency in winter might save you from unnecessary skin irritation. When you do shave, prepping with a gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and provides a smoother surface, which helps prevent ingrown hairs. Using a hydrating shaving cream and shaving in a warm shower can help protect your healthy skin further, making the shave closer and less irritating. Dr. Robinson also stresses the importance of using a clean, sharp razor to prevent cuts and infections. For those with sensitive skin, a shaving cream with soothing ingredients like oatmeal can make a big difference.
Mistake #5: Hair washing habits
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to a dry, itchy scalp and lackluster locks. Dr. Robinson suggests limiting hair washing to every two to three days to preserve these oils and maintain moisture. For those struggling with oily roots, a sprinkle of dry shampoo can absorb excess oil and refresh your hair without the need for warm water. This approach helps maintain natural hair oils and avoid the frizz and static that come with over washing.
Mistake #6: Rough scalp treatment
While it’s important to cleanse your scalp thoroughly, being too aggressive can do more harm than good. Gentle massaging, rather than vigorous scrubbing, can prevent damage to your scalp’s skin, reducing the risk of irritation, inflammation, and even hair loss. Focusing the shampoo on your scalp and the roots of your hair rather than the ends can help ensure that your hair’s natural oils are preserved, promoting healthier, shinier hair.
Mistake #7: Neglecting conditioner
Conditioner is your hair’s best friend, especially in winter when the air is dry and indoor heating can sap moisture from your strands. Applying conditioner primarily to the ends of your hair, where it’s needed most, can prevent breakage and split ends. For an extra hydration boost, incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your weekly routine can revive and nourish dry, damaged hair, keeping it strong and resilient against the harsh winter elements.
Mistake #8: Harsh drying techniques
The way you dry your body post-shower can significantly impact your skin’s health. Patting your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing vigorously helps retain moisture and prevent damage to the skin’s surface. Immediately applying a hydrating moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp can lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated longer and preventing the dry, flaky skin common in winter months.
Mistake #9: Moisturizing improperly
Regular showering in winter can lead to dryness, compromising your healthy skin barrier and making it more sensitive to environmental factors and skin infections like eczema. To combat this, it’s crucial to choose the right moisturizer. Look for products containing ceramides, which help repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Ceramide-based moisturizers like Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream are excellent choices for locking in moisture and protecting your skin from the harsh winter weather.
The timing of moisturizer application is also key. Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi advises applying moisturizer immediately after showering, while your skin is still damp. This allows the moisturizer to trap moisture on the skin’s surface, preventing evaporation and keeping your skin hydrated for longer. Additionally, periodic reapplication throughout the day can provide ongoing hydration and protection against dryness and irritation.
Mistake #10: Ignoring post-shower care
Your shower routine doesn’t end when you turn off the hot or cold water. Neglecting post-shower care can exacerbate dryness and irritation, especially in the winter. After showering, it’s essential to pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel to avoid stripping away moisture. Then, immediately follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to seal in the moisture and prevent dryness. Skipping this step can leave your skin vulnerable to the harsh elements, leading to discomfort and potential skin issues.
Mistake #11: Using harsh exfoliants
While exfoliating can be beneficial for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, using harsh exfoliants, especially in winter, can do more harm than good. Abrasive scrubs and brushes can irritate and damage the skin’s delicate barrier, leading to redness, inflammation, and increased sensitivity. Instead, opt for gentler exfoliating products formulated with mild ingredients like fruit enzymes or jojoba beads. These products provide effective exfoliation without stripping or irritating the skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and radiant.
Mistake #12: Neglecting lip care
Your lips are often overlooked during showering routines, but they can suffer from dryness and chapping, especially in the winter. Harsh weather conditions and indoor heating can zap moisture from your lips, leaving them dry, cracked, and uncomfortable. To prevent this, incorporate lip care into your shower routine by using a hydrating lip balm immediately after showering. Look for balms with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax to nourish and protect your lips against the elements. By giving your lips the attention they deserve, you can keep them soft, smooth, and kissable all winter.
Warp it up,
In the chilly winter months, showering can be both refreshing and challenging for your skin. By following expert advice, you can ensure that your shower routine keeps your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the season. Remember to keep your showers short and warm to avoid drying out your skin. Limiting shower time to 5 to 7 minutes and keeping the water temperature under 99 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent irritation and maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Showering too frequently can also strip your skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, consider showering every other day to give your skin a chance to retain its natural moisture. When you do shower, choose gentle, soap-free cleansers to avoid further drying out your skin. Look for moisturizing body washes and conditioners that will help replenish lost moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
After showering, it’s important to pat your skin dry gently and immediately apply a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. Don’t forget to pay attention to neglected areas like your lips, which can also suffer from dryness in winter. By following these expert tips, you can enjoy a refreshing shower without sacrificing your skin’s health and hydration.