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Hot Showers Can Dry Out Your Skin

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Hot Showers Can Dry Out Your Skin

Feb 10, 2021

A nice, long, hot shower might be relaxing, but it could also cause dry and itchy skin. On today's Health Minute, dermatologist Dr. Emily McKenzie share the truth about how your showering habits may be doing more harm than good.

Episode Transcript

Interviewer: A long hot shower is one of life's simple little pleasures. But could your shower actually be causing your skin to become dry and itchy? Dr. Emily McKenzie is a dermatologist. Please say it isn't so.

Dr. McKenzie: Yes. So many people like to take long hot showers as a nice way to relax at the end of the day or to wake themselves up in the morning. Unfortunately, the hotter the water it is, the more oil and moisture is removed from your skin. The longer you're in the shower, the more that this process is prolonged. So taking shorter lukewarm showers is actually more protective for your skin. Additionally, using milder, less harsh soaps can help your skin to retain a lot of its natural moisture. So as hard as it is to give up those hot showers, taking shorter lukewarm ones is the best thing you can do to keep your skin happy.

updated: February 10, 2021
originally published: April 30, 2019