Do you like to take hot, steamy showers? Here’s why it can be troublesome for your skin & your hair!
Dry skin can become a more serious issue with regular and extended exposure to hot water, which further strips away the protective lipid layer responsible for keeping moisture in and bacteria and irritants out. “Those with extremely dry skin or who are genetically prone to having sensitive skin can develop eczema, characterized by itchy, dry, pink patches.”
It strips away the natural oils and proteins that your skin requires to keep it healthy, strong and supple. When your skin is too dry, it is more prone to injury and infection. Eventually, your skin may overcompensate for the condition by producing even more oil, which can lead to further, more complicated problems.
Your skin is made of up three layers. The subcutis and the dermis are important, but it’s the outermost layer, the epidermis, that really gets damaged when your showers and baths are too hot.
Which skin conditions can be worsened by a hot shower?”
We see a lot of eczema [cases] get worse with long, hot showers,” board-certified dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali says of his New York City practice, Hudson Dermatology.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not the only condition that can be exacerbated by hot showers, according to Marchbein, who says psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and excessively dry skin can all be worsened by long, hot showers because they’re all characterized by skin-barrier repair defects.
Similarly to the skin on your face and body, hot water can strip necessary oils from the scalp, resulting in inflammation and impeded hair growth😲.
“Think of an inflamed scalp as trying to grow little plants in lava — almost impossible to have happy, healthy hair,” he says. And it’s not just the scalp you need to be concerned about. Too hot of a shower can directly affect the hair itself. “Hot water can be equally stripping for hair,” Marchbein says. “But also, if the water is too hot, it may prevent shampoo and conditioner from being fully rinsed, which can further affect hair quality and texture.” and it will take your hair color out faster too!!
ALWAYS RINSE WITH COOL – COLD WATER