“THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A LONG, COLD SHOWER”, said nobody ever! I don’t know what it is about the scorching temperatures and the steamy water after a long, hard day or after an intense workout that just makes everything seem right in the world. But a hot shower actually does more harm than good. Hot water can irritate your eczema and promotes itching as it brings blood to the surface of your skin causing inflammation. Hot water also strips oils from your skin, which is the opposite of what you are looking to do if you suffer from dry skin. Lukewarm temperature is the best as it helps boost blood circulation and constrict blood vessels in your skin to temporarily tighten pores and decrease redness and puffiness.

However, the temperature of the water is not the only thing that can have an impact on your skin during your bathing routine; how you dry off is also important. Most of us, especially during the winter, are chilly when exiting the shower and look forward to wrapping ourselves in a comfy, plush towel to dry off and get dressed. But rubbing your skin even with a plush towel to dry off, can create small tears and scratches in your skin. In addition, it can rob your skin of the moisture it so desperately needs.

Many handcrafted skincare soaps, such as our Honey Oat Fields and Pumpkin Harvest, contain humectants which pull moisture from the air/environment to condition your skin. If you are rubbing or wiping your skin to the point that is completely dry, chances are your removing the added nutrients and oils that your skin needs. Instead, lightly pat or blot dry your skin to leave some of the water behind. To increase moisture retention, it is also important to hydrate your skin quickly after bathing. Whether using a lotion, cream or a nourishing body butter, applying a moisturizer immediately after will help your skin lock in the remaining moisture from your bath before evaporating.

Don’t let high water temperatures or the way you dry off rob your skin of the nutrients and moisture it needs; therefore, tainting your amazing bathing experience.