It is a rarely acknowledged truth that showering can do a lot of damage to your skin. Hot water damages the skin's natural lipid layer and proteins and dries the skin out. What is more, this damage also slows down skin regeneration, which leads to only one thing – a long recovery period with dry, uncomfortable skin.
But this does not have to be your everyday reality. Read on to find out how you can protect your skin in the shower.
Step one – don't scald your skin with water that is too hot!
Autumn, winter or a cool spring – cold temperatures outside tempt us to treat ourselves to a hot shower. But this pleasure does great damage to the skin by stripping away the natural oils that protect it from water evaporation. Consider lowering the water temperature, even by a few degrees. The cooler the water, the less damage to the skin's lipid (protective) layer.
Another important aspect of hot water is the evaporation from the skin when you step out of the shower. A damaged lipid layer can no longer hold in the skin's moisture, which evaporates before your eyes and leaves the skin drier than before you started washing. That is why you may feel tightness or similar discomfort after a shower.
If you want to reduce the negative effect on your skin, consider using extra-moisturising shower gels or shower lotions. These products can help the skin absorb water during the shower and protect it from drying out. They can also be one way to reduce dryness without giving up the pleasant warmth of a shower in the cold season.
Step two – choose the right "bubbles".
Cold weather outside, damp and early evenings are the perfect time to treat yourself to a hot bath. And what is a bath without bubbles? Many people love bubble baths. But do they have a negative effect on our skin?
In short, the negative effect of bubble bath is minimal. And soaking in the bath can be a real treat for your skin if you choose the right bath oils and foams. Bubble bath works on the principle that the chemical ingredients that create foam are similar to those that wash your skin when you use an ordinary shower gel.
When these ingredients come into contact with oils, they produce less foam. So bubble bath used on its own will create lots of bubbles but will not help improve the condition of your skin.
The good news is that by combining bubble bath with skin oils, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin! Such oils support your skin's lipid layer, which, as discussed above, is the main protection against dryness. The result – slightly fewer bubbles, but much healthier skin.
Step three – choose the products that suit you best.
Many shower gels, lotions, creams and other products contain lots of colourants and fragrances. These are not made from natural ingredients and can contribute to skin irritation or dryness. However, many people love them and use them without any problems.
Here it is best to understand your skin's needs and use the products you like most. If you love an intensely scented shower gel that helps you wake up in the morning and causes no discomfort, enjoy the scent and keep using it. But if you have skin allergies or simply prefer more natural products, choose the option that best suits your wishes and needs.
When choosing the skin care products that appeal to you most, pay attention to their ingredients. Vitamins (B, C or E), minerals, glycerin and emollients (e.g. glyceryl oleate or cetearyl alcohol) protect the skin from drying out and maintain a healthy lipid layer. Look for these ingredients when choosing your next body lotion, shower cream or body wash, and your skin will certainly thank you.
Our recommendation. Use Eubos Sensitive Shower & Cream for dry skin when washing and apply Eubos Sensitive Dermo-Protective Body Lotion after your shower.
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