There is nothing more comforting than a therapeutic shower after a long day. Starting and ending the day with a warm shower is an indispensable part of many individuals’ routines. Besides the obvious advantage of cleansing, bathing has several health benefits, including better sleep, mood enhancement, and cold and flu relief. However, bathing the right way is essential to avoid skin infections and ward off harmful bacteria. Here are some common showering mistakes to avoid:

Showering for too long
A long shower can be stress relieving and therapeutic; however, showering for too long can deplete moisture from the skin. Chronically dry skin also increases one’s risk of developing eczema, characterized by dry, itchy, and bumpy skin. Hence, it is best to have short and sweet showers of no more than 15 minutes to protect the skin from dehydration.

Not moisturizing immediately after a shower
While water cleanses the skin and removes dust particles, wiping the skin after a bath can leave the skin feeling dry. Thus, dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer or body lotion to the skin immediately after a shower to ensure skin suppleness and prevent the skin from drying out.

Forgetting to exfoliate frequently
The importance of skin exfoliation cannot be emphasized enough. Although old skin cells in the body die out naturally, paving the way for new ones, exfoliation is important to remove the additional accumulation of dry skin cells and facilitate glowing skin. Exfoliating one’s body at least once every ten days, or more frequently if one has sensitive skin, is recommended.

Not checking a bathing towel’s grams per square meter
A towel’s density is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Typically, towels weighing less than 400 GSM are extremely thin and may not be suitable for daily use after bathing. The higher a towel’s GSM is, the more comfortable it feels on the skin. Towels with GSMs of 400 to 550 are usually classified as ideal bath towels. Using the right towel after showering is important to retain the skin’s natural texture.

Not using the right soap
It is always a good idea to look for soaps with mild ingredients, such as aloe vera, oatmeal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Such ingredients benefit the skin while being gentle and suitable for all skin types. Moreover, comedogenic products can clog skin pores and trigger acne and other skin problems. Hence, it is essential to look for soaps that are non-comedogenic.

Bathing in scathing hot water
While it is a good idea to shower with warm water, bathing in scalding hot water can deprive the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. One should balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower, ensuring it is neither too hot nor too cold.

Not showering after exercise
Physical activity typically releases sweat, which produces bacteria on the skin’s surface. Bathing after a workout is essential to destroy such bacteria and prevent body odor.