The Ideal Shower Duration for Healthy Skin: Tips from a Dermatologist
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Chapter 1: The Allure of Long Showers
Just returning from a week-long trip to Chicago gave me the chance to indulge in one of my favorite vacation pastimes: enjoying long, leisurely showers. The reasons behind my extended shower time remain unclear; perhaps it’s the relaxing atmosphere that allows my mind to wander, or the fact that hotel hot water is never-ending. I also don’t have the guilt of work weighing on me or the pressure of having to be somewhere.
While I could easily spend an hour soaking in the warmth, I face one major hurdle: my extremely dry skin. To avoid complications, I usually restrict myself to a shower duration of about 5–7 minutes with warm water, followed by a brief cold rinse lasting 15–30 seconds, before quickly stepping out.
But is there a scientifically-backed limit to how long one can shower without risking skin irritation? Recently, a dermatologist provided some insights.
Video Description: In "Dermatologist Body Care 101: How often Should You Shower? What Products to Use?", experts discuss shower habits and the best practices for maintaining healthy skin.
Chapter 2: The Trending "Everything Shower"
Shower routines and etiquette have become quite the topic on platforms like TikTok. While I prefer to avoid the mind-numbing content of that app, I was intrigued by a discussion on evolving shower habits, particularly the optimal time to spend under the water to protect one's skin.
While I may linger a bit too long when on vacation, some people's shower habits are beyond comprehension. Have you heard of the "everything shower"? A TikTok user gained fame by suggesting a three-hour shower that includes activities like washing, shaving, exfoliating, and more. This concept reminded me of a classic Seinfeld scene where Kramer multitasks in the shower.
The Dermatologist's Advice
This same piece also featured insights from dermatologist Emma Amoafo-Mensah, who highlighted the connection between long showers and skin irritation. She explained to Metro:
"Prolonged exposure to hot water can remove the skin's natural oils. When these oils are stripped away, moisture escapes more rapidly, leading to dryness and tightness."
As someone who can only use natural soaps and shampoos without suffering from dry skin, I still find it essential to monitor my shower duration.
So, what is the recommended time limit for those of us with dry skin? According to Amoafo-Mensah:
"Many individuals spend too much time in the shower; ideally, you should aim for less than ten minutes. Exceeding this time can exacerbate dryness and irritation, especially with hot water."
In summary, keeping showers to ten minutes or less is crucial for maintaining skin health. While adhering to this guideline can be challenging—particularly during frigid winter mornings—some self-discipline can yield positive results.
As for my vacation habits? I’m not changing a thing! Sometimes, it’s essential to savor life’s simple pleasures, even if it means applying extra moisturizer afterward.
Engage with Me
What does your shower routine look like? How do you manage dry skin? Share your thoughts in the comments!