Are You Making This Self-Care Mistake?
Long, steamy showers feel amazing, but if your skin constantly feels tight, dry, or irritated afterward, your shower temperature might be the problem.
Hot water strips the skin’s natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—which means your skin loses hydration faster than it can replenish it (Verdier-Sévrain & Bonté, 2007). Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and even conditions like eczema or sensitivity.
So if you’re stepping out of the shower feeling parched, here’s why—and what to do about it.
Why Hot Water Harms Your Skin
1. It Disrupts the Skin Barrier
Your skin has a protective lipid layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Hot water breaks down these natural lipids, making your skin more vulnerable to dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity (Puglia et al., 2008).
2. It Increases Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
TEWL is the rate at which water evaporates from your skin. Studies show that hot water accelerates moisture loss, which is why your skin can feel tight and dehydrated post-shower (Blichmann & Serup, 1988).
3. It Can Trigger Inflammation & Skin Conditions
Hot water can dilate blood vessels, contributing to redness, irritation, and worsening conditions like rosacea and eczema (Kawada et al., 2002). If your skin is already sensitive, frequent exposure to high temperatures may increase inflammation.
How to Shower Without Destroying Your Skin
✔️ Keep Your Showers Warm, Not Hot
Water temperature between 98°F to 105°F (36°C to 40°C) is ideal to prevent excessive lipid loss while still being comfortable (Draelos, 2018).
✔️ Limit Shower Time
Long exposure to water—even warm water—can degrade your skin’s natural defenses. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers under 10 minutes (Wu & Koo, 2003).
✔️ If You Need Hot Water, End with a Cooler Rinse
While a cooler rinse doesn’t “close” pores (that’s a myth), it helps reduce excessive vasodilation, which can lower post-shower redness and irritation (Yosipovitch et al., 1998).
✔️ Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying oils or butters while your skin is still damp helps trap moisture and reinforce the lipid barrier. Studies confirm that post-bathing emollient use significantly reduces TEWL and improves skin hydration (Rawlings et al., 2004).
✔️ Use Water-Free Moisturizers for Long-Lasting Hydration
Most conventional lotions contain high water content, which evaporates quickly and can leave skin feeling dry again within hours. Instead, opt for water-free balms, butters, and oils to provide longer-lasting nourishment (Lodén, 2005).
Try This for a Week—Your Skin Will Thank You
Simple changes—reducing shower temperature, applying oils on damp skin, and using water-free moisturizers—can dramatically improve hydration levels and skin resilience.
If you’ve been dealing with persistent dryness or irritation, try these tweaks for a few days and pay attention to the difference.
📩 Have you noticed a change in your skin when you adjust your shower routine? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your experience.
Stay balanced,
Liz
Citations:
- Blichmann, C. W., & Serup, J. (1988). Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration: Studies of dry skin in normal volunteers. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 68(3), 205-210.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Essential oils and skin barrier repair. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 5-9.
- Kawada, A., Konishi, N., Oiso, N., & Kawara, S. (2002). Epidermal barrier dysfunction in patients with rosacea and facial dermatitis. The Journal of Dermatology, 29(7), 457-460.
- Lodén, M. (2005). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 19(6), 672-688.
- Puglia, C., Offerta, A., & Trombetta, D. (2008). Skin hydration evaluation after topical application of a new moisturizer: A comparative study using skin bioengineering techniques. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(6), 403-408.
- Rawlings, A. V., Canestrari, D. A., & Dobkowski, B. (2004). Moisturizer technology versus clinical performance. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 49-56.
- Verdier-Sévrain, S., & Bonté, F. (2007). Skin hydration: A review on its molecular mechanisms. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 75-82.
- Wu, J. J., & Koo, J. Y. (2003). Epidermal barrier dysfunction and the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.Clinical Dermatology, 21(2), 134-139.
- Yosipovitch, G., Maibach, H. I., & Heller, M. M. (1998). The effect of water temperature on human skin response. Archives of Dermatological Research, 290(12), 638-642.