Dermatologist Alyaa Ahmed recommended 10 showering habits to improve skin health and appearance, including avoiding products with irritating ingredients and choosing warm water instead of hot. This comes following research conducted on 2,000 adults, revealing that 56% prefer showering with hot or "boiling" water, with 70% increasing the water temperature during this time of year. However, Dr. Alyaa explained that "hot water can exacerbate skin dryness and itching." She said, "Using hot water causes blood vessel dilation, which enhances inflammation and itching. Taking a short shower is better; I recommend five minutes whenever possible."
According to the research, adults spend twice the necessary time under water, with 41% stating they would stay longer if they had the time. It was also found that one in ten people always cleans their body twice using body wash instead of just once. Dr. Alyaa noted, "There is no definite need for double cleansing during a shower. The feeling of excessive cleanliness, although many desire it because it seems 'healthier,' is not necessary for your skin to be clean and could indicate that the products you are using are actually drying your skin. Using soap lather does not mean cleaner skin."
Moreover, 56% of the adults surveyed by OnePoll reported experiencing skin dryness after standing under water, although 35% are unlikely to moisturize their skin. Dr. Alyaa suggests looking for moisture-enhancing body wash, showering with cold water at the end to smooth hair skin, and customizing product choices to suit your skin and hair type.
