Dermatologist reveals the common mistakes made when taking a bath

Dermatologist reveals the common mistakes you’re making when you take a bath – and why you should NEVER stay in for more than 15 minutes

  • A dermatologist has revealed the common errors to avoid when taking a bath 
  • Stacy Chimento MD said to never shave prior to a bath and don’t use essential oil
  • She also said to ensure the water isn’t hot and only stay in for 15 minutes 
  • If the tactics aren’t followed, this can lead to skin irritation and dryness  

A dermatologist has revealed the common mistakes people make when taking a bath. 

Certified dermatologist Stacy Chimento MD said it’s important to ensure the water isn’t too hot, to never shave prior to having a bath and to limit the soak time to a maximum of 15 minutes. 

These basic tactics should be implemented in order to avoid damaging your skin or cause irritation to occur.

While there doesn’t seem to be a wrong way to take a bath, a dermatologist has revealed a few common mistakes people make when doing so

Make sure the water isn’t too hot

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure the water is lukewarm as hot water can lead to skin irritation or dehydration.

‘If the water is too hot, the outer layer begins to break down, allowing the entry of bacteria and toxins and drawing out moisture,’ Dr Chimento told Well+Good.

According to everydayhealth.com an optimum temperature for adults is 42 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius for infants, toddlers or children.

First and foremost, it's important to ensure the water is lukewarm because hot water can lead to skin irritation or dehydrated skin

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure the water is lukewarm because hot water can lead to skin irritation or dehydrated skin 

Don’t stay in the bath for too long

Rather than taking hour-long baths, keep a soaking to a maximum of 15 minutes every time. 

‘Anything longer than that will begin to strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to inflammation and irritation,’ Dr Chimento said.

When the water starts to cool is a good indication of when it’s time to hop out of the bath, or alternatively a timer can be set on your phone.

Never shave before taking a bath

Another error many often make is shaving prior to having a bath, which should be avoided.

Dr Chimento said this is because shaving opens the pores on the skin, and taking a bath directly after can allow bacteria and germs to reach these areas.

For this reason, shaving should be left to do in the shower or done after having a bath.

Shaving opens the pores on the skin, and taking a bath directly after can allow bacteria and germs to reach these areas

Shaving opens the pores on the skin, and taking a bath directly after can allow bacteria and germs to reach these areas

Don’t use essential oils

Although essential oils smell amazing and can help the body relax when taking a bath, they are not beneficial for the skin as they don’t dilute in the water.

As a substitute, mix a few drops of the essential oil into a cup of oatmeal, then placing this mixture into the bath water.

According to Healthline, oatmeal baths are a ‘make-at-home remedy’ anyone can use to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as eczema.

Using oatmeal can be moisturising, soothing and inflammation-relieving for the skin.

Although essential oils smell amazing and can help the body relax when taking a bath, Dr Chimento said they are not beneficial for the skin as they don't dilute in water

Although essential oils smell amazing and can help the body relax when taking a bath, Dr Chimento said they are not beneficial for the skin as they don’t dilute in water

THE BENEFITS OF USING OATMEAL RATHER THAN ESSENTIAL OILS

Oatmeal baths are a make-at-home remedy you can use to treat a variety of skin conditions from psoriasis to eczema

Oatmeal can be moisturising, soothing, and inflammation-relieving for the skin

Colloidal oatmeal can also be incorporated in a variety of skin care preparations

Essential oils are said to strip the skin of moisture as they don’t dissolve in water when taking a bath

Source: Healthline

Ensure to moisturise immediately after a bath

Since a long soak in the bath can lead to dryness or skin irritation, it’s essential to moisturise afterwards. 

This will make sure the surface of the skin is hydrated, plump and rich of moisture.

If each tactic is followed every time, the skin will remain healthy and the natural oils embedded in the skin won’t be removed.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk