Evidence-based strategies can ensure softer skin, healthier hair, and a more effective clean during your shower. Consulting with experts reveals that there is indeed an optimal method to shower. While it’s possible to lather up in any way, following these researched suggestions can lead to improved skin and hair health. Some of these insights might surprise you.
Three showers a week, with a maximum of seven for most, are cost-effective for disease prevention. Overwashing can strip skin of ceramides, resulting in dryness and itching, advises dermatologist Shari Marchbein. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to wash, do a quick sniff test. According to Mona Gohara, a clinical professor of dermatology, showering when you detect an odor could indicate a shift in your skin’s microbiome, potentially causing irritation.
Finding the right water temperature is crucial. The ideal range is warm to hot, not scalding. If a bathroom mirror fogs completely within a minute, the water is too hot, which may prevent you from rinsing off all the residue and can dry your skin. Very hot water is more likely to weaken the skin barrier, says Gohara.
When selecting a body wash, opt for products marked with ‘hypoallergenic’ and ‘fragrance-free,’ as these tend to have fewer irritating ingredients. Antibacterial body washes can be harsh, leading to dryness and irritation, notes Robert H. Shmerling from Harvard Health Publishing.
Using soap bars is usually safe from bacteria transmission if kept dry after use, per research published in Hygiene.
Hair conditioner should be left in only briefly, according to Helen Reavey, a trichologist. Prolonged application doesn’t enhance its benefits. To avoid damaging the skin’s barrier, limit your time under hot water to ten minutes, but occasionally extended showers can be beneficial for increasing humidity and reducing stress. To minimize skin impact, alternate exposure by rinsing one limb at a time.
The frequency of hair washing should match your scalp’s oiliness. For fine hair, every two to three days may suffice, while coiled hair, being drier, could stretch between washes up to a week, suggests Michelle Henry, a clinical dermatology instructor.
In the shower, gently brush dry hair to prevent damage or wear a shower cap. After cleansing, blot your body instead of rubbing. For hair, use a microfiber towel and apply lotion while skin is damp to retain moisture.
Regarding bathing tools, dermatologists caution against the abrasive nature of loofahs which can harbor bacteria. A washcloth offers a better exfoliating option, while hands are the gentlest and most sustainable tool.
“Maintain regular updates on skin health by using hands to feel for any lumps, bumps, or textural changes,” Marchbein advises.
