Skincare experts are unanimous: a few minutes too long underwater is sometimes enough to damage the epidermis.
It’s one of those everyday gestures that we don’t really pay attention to anymore. In the morning to wake up, in the evening to relax, after sports or simply out of habit: taking a shower is part of our routine to take care of our skin. However, one detail could have a much greater impact than we imagine on the health of our skin.
When skin feels tight after a shower, many people think it’s simply a lack of moisturizer. In reality, the problem often starts well before the treatment is applied. Water temperature, frequency of washing, products used… all these factors influence the skin’s balance. Hot water, for example, provides a pleasant feeling of comfort, but it dissolves more easily the hydrolipidic film, this thin protective layer which acts as a real shield against dehydration and external aggressions. Result: the skin can become drier, more sensitive and sometimes even prone to itching.
Specialists also recommend favoring gentle cleansers, without aggressive sulfates, and not rubbing the skin with a towel. It is best to dab it gently before applying a moisturizer in the minutes after the shower, when the skin is still slightly damp. But there is also another parameter which plays an essential role: the time spent underwater.
Contrary to what one might believe, staying in the shower for a long time is not beneficial for the skin. According to recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology, it is best to limit showers and baths to five to ten minutes to avoid drying out the skin and preserve its protective barrier. Most dermatologists agree on an ideal duration of between five and ten minutes. This period of time is sufficient to effectively cleanse the skin while limiting the risk of drying out.
Do you never time your shower? There is a simple trick. New York dermatologist Shari Marchbein tells the magazine RealSimple just watch your fingers: as soon as they start to wrinkle, it’s usually a sign that the skin has already been exposed to enough water and it’s time to get out of the shower.
Finally, taking care of your skin does not only involve choosing cosmetics. Slightly reducing the duration of your shower, favoring lukewarm water and moisturizing your skin immediately afterwards are three simple reflexes that can make a real difference on a daily basis.
