- By Bornika Das
- Sat, 06 Sep 2025 01:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shower Mistakes: A shower after a long day washes away the sweat, the stress and worries and helps you feel relaxed. It is a warm, soothing ritual that people generally associate with self-pampering. It helps calm down the mind, making you feel clean and invigorated. However, little do people know that there are several showering habits that may directly influence the health of the skin. Oftentimes, after a long warm shower, people might experience dryness, tightness and irritation on the skin which they hardly notice. These subtle shower habits can drain natural oils, interfere with the skin barrier and make the skin feel dry, itchy and irritated.
These common showering mistakes are easily overlooked because they may seem harmless in the moment. Habits like using steaming hot water, skipping moisturiser or choosing the wrong body wash can silently sabotage the skin health. Here are the six most common shower mistakes that can cause dryness and irritation.
Common Shower Mistakes That Make The Skin Dry
Hot Water
Although showering with hot water is comforting after a long, hectic day, it might strip off the natural oils from the skin, which are produced to keep your skin moisturised. As the natural oils shed, the skin becomes prone to redness, irritation and dryness, making it feel itchy and tight. Thus, shower with water that is comfortably warm and not too hot.
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Showering Too Long
Showering for long can be comforting and relaxing; however, this can also strip away the natural oils, making the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, leading to redness. Taking a short shower can also make you feel refreshed and clean, keeping your skin soft and nourished.
Harsh Body Soaps
Using an extra foamy or scented body wash or soap might give a dreamy scented feeling, but they usually contain sulfates, strong detergents and heavy fragrances that can strip away the natural oil more than the dust. This can affect the natural skin texture and moisture, leading to irritation. Thus, choose gentle, fragrance-free hydrating cleansers to nurture the skin.
Skipping Moisturiser
Skipping moisturiser right after the shower can make the skin dry, flaky and tight. After stepping out of the shower, when the skin is still damp, clean and refreshed, apply the moisturiser. Applying lotion, cream or body oil within 2-3 minutes can keep the skin soft, smooth and resilient.
Shower Mistakes That Cause Dry Skin (Image Credits: Canva)
Exfoliation
It is important to exfoliate the skin to scrub off the dead skin cells for a brighter and smoother-looking skin. However, too much exfoliation is not good for the skin. Using loofahs, harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants every day can strip away more than your dead skin. Limit scrubbing to 1-3 times a week, depending on the skin type and always follow up with a moisturiser. Over-exfoliation can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, redness and dryness.
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Showering Multiple Times A Day
Sometimes, people might feel the need to shower twice or thrice a day, which helps to feel relaxed. With each shower, be it twice or thrice daily, people lose the natural oil from the skin, leaving it dry, tight and irritated. Even if you need a shower after workouts, sweating or exposure to dirt, follow up with a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water and a moisturiser.
These common shower mistakes can cause more harm to the skin than good. Thus, while taking a shower, keep in mind these mistakes and take steps accordingly.
