Dermatologist's little-known showering technique can help those with dry skin

08 January 2024 , 15:45

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It can be hard to know how often to shower if your skin is dry (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

Being hygienic is important to most people, and there's nothing better than that shower-fresh feeling - but sometimes it can feel as though frequently bathing or showering is causing your skin to dry out.

This time of year can cause some people's skin to become seriously dry, which begs the question, 'How often should I be showering?' Stripping away your skin's protective layer can lead to dry, irritated, and itchy skin - and if you're using harsh soaps and scrubbing your skin aggressively, that can wreak havoc on your skin. But a dermatologist has recommended that showering or bathing daily can be good for your skin, if your skin is sensitive.

Dermatologist Dr Jenny Liu took to TikTok to share that she'd noticed there was a "lot of confusion about the frequency of showering and bathing", with some suggesting that bathing or showering daily was actually bad for your skin.

"Daily showers and baths are perfectly fine for your skin", she explained, sharing: "In fact, that is what I recommend for my patients with dry and eczema-prone skin."

"Soaking, especially [in the] bath helps to hydrate the stratum corneum and improve desquamation, as well as enhancing the penetration of the topical medication and your moisturiser", she shared.

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Dr Jenny Liu then explained that if you don't use a moisturiser when you're out of the bath or shower, it can "damage skin", "especially if you're being aggressive with cleansing and using harsh soaps."

She then shared the "proper way" to cleanse your skin, saying to "keep the water contact time to less than 15-20 minutes". She then recommended people use "comfortably warm water", rather than extreme hot or cold. This may come as a shock to many, but she also recommended not using soap unless you have "spoiled armpits or buttocks." She then said: "Apply moisturiser to damp skin immediately after the shower or bath" to prevent any additional water loss within the skin.

In the comments, some people were confused because they'd been told something different. One penned: "I get dry skin from showering", with another saying: "OMG I'VE BEEN TOLD NOT TO BECAUSE OF MY ECZEMA." Someone else was baffled by the suggestion of not using soap, asking: "You don't need soap?" Dr Jenny Liu responded by saying: "No. Only if your skin is visibly soiled or if you sweat a ton."

A TikToker agreed with the dermatologist, writing: "Literally, I was thinking this earlier. Showering every day won't make your skin dry unless you're not moisturising properly after, or using a soap that's too harsh."

Danielle Kate Wroe