Are hot showers bad for your skin? Dermatologists weigh in

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When it comes to self care, taking a long, hot shower is a go-to for many people. The steamy atmosphere can feel spa-like and that hot water raining down on you can soothe sore muscles instantly. But while a nearly-scalding shower may feel nice, it can negatively affect the skin on your face and body, according to experts.

To find out how hot showers impact your skin, I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists; I also asked them how to determine how hot is too hot and rounded up products that can help you maintain the health of your skin.

According to experts, hot showers are not great for your skin. Hot water strips your skin of water content and breaks down its natural barrier function. “Our skin barrier is important because it keeps moisture in and protects us from potential allergens and irritants in the outside environment,” says Dr. Caren Campbell, a San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist at Caren Campbell MD. “If we impair this barrier, too much moisture gets out and allergens and irritants get in, which leads to dry skin, rashes, irritation and potential increased risk for developing allergies.”

Here’s the thing: A one-off hot shower probably won’t wreck your skin. But if you consistently take them, it’s likely drying out your complexion. The length of your shower also contributes to how it affects your skin, according to Campbell. It’s best to keep showers short to reduce drying out the skin. Then, if you don’t put on lotion or moisturizer after taking a shower, you may be making the damage even worse.

If you’re concerned your hot shower habit has led to dry skin, using hydrating products can help. All of the body ointments, creams and lotions below are from brands NBC Select regularly covers and have an average 4-star rating from at least 500 reviews on Amazon.

This balm is made with petroleum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier, according to the brand. You can use it on your face, elbows, feet or anywhere else that needs moisture. One thing to note: A little goes a long way.

“I’m a devoted Vanicream user and love their moisturizer, face wash and this body wash,” says NBC Select weekend editor Bethany Heitman. “It’s gentle on my sensitive skin and leaves it feeling smoother.” The formula is free of dyes, fragrances and parabens, according to the brand. Along with the body, you can also use it as a hand soap.

Use this multitasking lotion on your face and body. It’s formulated with shea butter and niacinamide to restore your skin’s barrier. It also has prebiotics to feed the good bacteria in your skin, strengthen it and keep it healthy.

NBC Select Reporter Zoe Malin uses this to soothe her skin whenever it’s feeling dry and itchy. “My legs tend to get dry and cracked in the winter and I use this before bed — and wake up with skin that is significantly more hydrated,” she says. You can use it on both your face and body and is free of dyes and fragrances, making it a nice option for those with sensitive skin.

This option made our list of best bar soaps, with experts saying it effectively cleanses skin without irritating it. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown is a fan, saying that “it’s a basic but good option for those who don’t want to fuss with an extensive skin care routine.”

In addition to hot water, regularly using harsh soaps, body washes with strong fragrances, loofahs, wash cloths and anything that rubs against the body or face can further damage your skin, according to Campbell. In fact, you should use soap sparingly when showering. “Limit soap to face, underarms and groin unless you are dirty in other places and use a fragrance free gentle soap like the Vanicream Wash,” says Campbell.

If you really can’t give up your hot showers, you should focus on rehydrating skin to prevent irritation. “Moisturizing immediately after you finish helps to trap the moisture that enters your skin in the shower and keep it hydrated,” says Dr. David Rayhan, a board certified dermatologist at Rayhan Dermatology. “This may help avoid dry skin, itching, worsening eczema, and the temporary but harmful effects on your skin’s appearance.”

Taking a hot shower, especially a lengthy one, isn’t good for your skin, according to our experts. Hot showers deplete your skin of its natural moisture barrier. That said, it is technically better, although more uncomfortable, to take a cold shower. If you’re worried about damaging your skin, opt for a shower that is between cold and lukewarm.

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Caren Campbell is a San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist at Caren Campbell MD.
• Dr. David Rayhan is a Huntington Beach-based board certified dermatologist at Rayhan Dermatology.

Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he writes about cooking, cleaning, lifestyle and wellness. He spoke with board-certified dermatologists for their guidance about hot showers and product recommendations to use to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.

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