Many people find taking a shower or bath refreshing, sometimes even therapeutic. But keep in mind that extended periods in warm-to-hot water can have an adverse effect on your skin. Hot water removes the skin’s natural oil. Ideally, a bath or shower should take place with lukewarm water, and last for no more than 10 minutes.

And how about the soaps you use in the bath? You can wash with the same brand of soap on a regular basis. Much soap contains moisturizing ingredients that are beneficial for skin all year round. However, a change to a milder soap may be needed if your skin becomes dryer during cold-weather months. Regardless of the soap you choose, you always want to rinse off thoroughly, so that all soap residue is completely removed.

After a shower or bath, there are several steps you can take to help your skin stay moist and fresh:

¢ Take care when drying yourself off after a shower or bath. Rubbing the skin with a towel when drying off can irritate dry skin.

¢ Apply moisturizer within three minutes after a shower. This will help the skin’s top layers trap moisture and reduce the chance of dryness. Note, however, that products containing alcohol can irritate dry skin.

¢ Skip the steam and dry heat. Saunas and steam baths can take a toll on the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, and can result in dry skin.

Sources: The American Academy of Dermatology; DrySkinRx