Derm DMs: Is It Possible to Shower Too Much?

April 22, 2020

By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Everyone knows that feeling of taking a warm shower after a long day of working from home, or going on a daily run to get out, but if you’re noticing that your skin is cracking or peeling post-shower, you might be showering too much. Ahead, we consulted with Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology, and Skincare.com expert, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., to break down what could happen to your skin’s appearance if you shower too much.

How Can You Tell if You’re Showering Too Much?

According to Dr. Zeichner, it’s really easy to tell if you’re over-showering. “Our heads may love long, hot showers, but our skin does not,” he says. “If skin appears red, looks flaky,dull, or feels itchy, then external factors may be contributing, such as excessive showering.” According to Dr. Zeichner, you also need to consider what type of cleanser you’re using. The “squeaky clean” feeling often points to post-wash dryness.

Should You Consider Showering Less Often?

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you’ll want to be extra mindful when it comes to how often you shower. It’s also a good idea to have a hydrating post-shower routine. “Moisturizing immediately after bathing gives better skin hydration than delayed moisturizing,” advises Dr. Zeichner. “I like to tell my patients to apply a moisturizer within five minutes of getting out of the shower and to keep the bathroom door closed to help lock in humidity in the air.”

Keep Skin Happy

When it comes to keeping your skin looking happy, try to avoid taking repeated, excessively hot or long showers. Remember that “over scrubbing dry skin could lead to more harm than good,” cautions Dr. Zeichner. “If your skin is dry, stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers.” We recommend a gentle cleanser formulated with ceramides such as these ones from our parent company, L’Oréal : try the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash, or if you have extra sensitive skin, the CeraVe Eczema Body Wash. Our best advice is to skip the excess showers and remember to moisturize on the daily.