We know that a hot shower after a long, tiring day feels like total bliss and instantly refreshes and rejuvenates you. Add to that a luxurious shower gel or body scrub and you are sure to feel relaxed and geared up for a good night’s sleep.
But did you know that while a hot water shower can calm your mind, it is actually severely damaging on your skin? I know what you are wondering – “It’s just a shower, how can I possibly be doing that wrong” – right? Turns out, you totally could be.
To help you gain a bit more clarity, we have listed down some really common shower mistakes that are keeping you away from achieving clear, flawless skin.
Mistake #01: Frequent hot water showers
Okay, we get it — completely avoid hot water showers is not possible. I mean, the last thing we want after a long, tiring day is to take a hot water shower to calm the mind and relax our muscles. The problem arises when you take hot showers on a daily basis. Why? Because hot water not only dries out your skin and causes irritation but also leads to premature aging. Try and use lukewarm water on most days, and when you do feel like a hot water shower after a long, stressful day, limit the time to 10 minutes only.
Mistake #02: Using a cleanser that’s not meant for your skin
After a good cleansing sesh, your skin should feel perfectly normal and not too tight or itchy. The squeaky-clean feeling after a shower is actually your skin drying out and that’s something you need to avoid at all costs. When picking a cleanser, read the label to see if it’s formulated for your skin type. For example, people with dry skin should opt for a cream-based cleanser and those with oily skin should go for a lightweight, gel-based one. Also, avoid body washes that are high on fragrance as they could also be drying and cause skin irritation.
Mistake #03: Scrubbing harder than required
Always remember: scrubbing hard does not equate to cleaner skin; it only means red, irritated and inflamed skin. Simply massaging your skin in a gentle, circular motion is more than enough to get rid of impurities as well as improve blood circulation for healthy, glowing skin.
Mistake #04: Not moisturising right after
Some women tend to skip moisturiser if their skin doesn’t feel too dry post a shower — this is a skincare sin you must avoid at all costs. Moisturising slightly damp skin helps to seal in moisture, which is a prerequisite for healthy skin. Not moisturising your skin ends up compromising on the skin’s barrier function, which is very damaging in the long run.
Mistake #05: Not cleaning your shower tools
Just like you clean your makeup brushes and sponges regularly, you must do the same for your loofahs, washcloths and pumice stones too. This is because dirt from your body, coupled with the dampness in the bathroom, makes these tools the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which could lead to infections. Apart from washing these tools, also replace them regularly for better results and hygiene purpose.