[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin\/","headline":"Is a Hot Shower Bad for Your Skin?","name":"Is a Hot Shower Bad for Your Skin?","description":"For many, nothing is more relaxing than a long, hot shower or soothing soak in the tub. But what effects can they have on your skin? Find out now.","datePublished":"2015-01-28","dateModified":"2022-05-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin\/","about":["Skin Care"],"wordCount":670,"keywords":["clear nasal congestion","dry skin","infection","itching","moisturizer","natural oil barrier","Nick Woltjen","shower","skin","skin care","soap","sunburn","UPMC Department of Dermatology"],"articleBody":"For many, nothing is more relaxing than a long, hot shower or soothing soak in the tub. It can\u00a0relieve stress,\u00a0induce sleep, and help clear\u00a0nasal congestion.During the\u00a0winter months, many people enjoy taking a soak or shower in hot water to warm up and shake off the chill. Although tub time may feel like a luxury, it can wreak havoc on your skin by drying it out if done too often or if the water is too hot.What Does Skin Do?The skin is the\u00a0largest organ of the body\u00a0and is made up of three layers called the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis that:Protect us from germs.Control body temperature.Work with the nervous system to regulate sensations such as touch, heat and cold.Will a Hot Shower Dry Your Skin?Hot showers and baths can inflame the skin, causing redness, itching, and even peeling \u2014\u00a0similar to a sunburn. \u00a0They also can disrupt the skin\u2019s natural balance of moisture, robbing you of the natural oils, fats, and proteins that keep skin healthy. Dry skin can increase your chances of infection and actually lead to an overproduction of oils in an effort to compensate for the lack of moisture.How to Stop Itching After A ShowerHelp keep your skin healthy by following these few simple steps from Nick Woltjen, MPAS, PA-C,\u00a0UPMC Department of Dermatology, when bathing:Turn Down the Water Temperature.\u00a0 Frequent hot showers and baths can lead to dry, itchy skin or even rashes. Cooler or lukewarm showers even just a few times a week can keep skin hydrated and help hair stay strong and shiny. If your skin appears red following your bath or shower, your water is too hot.Benefits of taking a cold showerIncreased circulation.Calming itchy skin.Temporary increase to metabolism.Decrease Your Bathing TimeSpending less time in the tub not only benefits your skin, but you\u2019ll decrease the amount of water wasted, too. Step out of the tub before your skin appears wrinkled like a prune. Depending on factors such as your daily activity level, profession, or season, you might even be able to skip a full daily shower here and there.\u00a0How long should you shower?Skin, just like the rest of the body, needs water to function properly. Experts believe a shower should only last about 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer and the hot water may strip away the natural oils of the skin and leave the pores open for moisture to escape.Avoid Harsh SoapsSoap is drying to the skin, stripping away the natural oil barrier, and many are filled with chemicals that are applied directly to your body before washing away into our water supply. Instead, try a mild, fragrance-free, non-soap cleanser (you won\u2019t see lots of lather as with soaps) or moisturizing shower gel or oil.Moisturize Your SkinPat yourself dry and apply an unscented lotion, cream, or oil to your still-damp skin. This will help lock in moisture. For most people, a light, water-based moisturizer is adequate. Noncomedogenic products won\u2019t clog your pores; while ingredients such as aloe, oatmeal, and chamomile offer soothing qualities. Also, consider a product that contains ceramides. Ceramides help protect and retain the needed moisture for your skin.\u00a0When to See a DermatologistExperiment with different bathing routines until you find one that makes your skin look and feel healthy. Skin can be easily affected by changes in products, weather, and hormones. If you have dry itchy skin or a rash in that won\u2019t heal, you should contact a dermatologist.Contact a dermatologist if you\u2019re having trouble finding a skincare regimen that works for you. They can assess your skin and recommend a skin care plan specifically for you.\u00a0Schedule an appointment with the dermatology experts at UPMC\u00a0or visit the\u00a0website online\u00a0for more information on services and skin conditions. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 28, 2015, and was last reviewed on May 24, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Is a Hot Shower Bad for Your Skin?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/hot-shower-bad-skin\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]