27 Shower Mistakes You Didn’t Know Were Harming Your Hygiene and Health
Have you ever considered that there are "right" and "wrong" ways to shower? Dermatologists have, and they're warning people about common but unhealthy shower habits. These practices can dry out your skin, damage your hair, and even spread diseases.
Experts have identified health concerns about everyday habits, such as keeping your loofah in the shower. If you enjoy a long shower, you'll want to read on through this list to learn more about these habits to avoid.
Replace Your Plastic Showerhead
Plastic showerheads are worse than metal ones, at least when it comes to health. Dr. Norman Pace, a professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, explained that plastic showerheads build up biofilm more than metal, which gathers more bacteria.
Scientists from the University of Colorado found more germs on plastic showerheads than on metal ones. You can usually tell what your showerhead is made of based on the connection material. If it's a screw-on rather than a secure bolt, it's likely plastic.
Avoid Rough Towel Drying
Are you drying your body too harshly? If you describe your routine as "rubbing a towel," you are. Drying the body should be more of a gentle pat. Hurriedly rubbing yourself dry may aggravate and dry out your skin.
Instead, when you step out of the shower, don't scrub or wipe yourself dry. Use a towel to pat your body gently. This will keep the moisture on your skin without irritating it, and it also works for your hair to prevent breakage.
Are You Showering Too Frequently?
Showering more makes you cleaner—right? Not so fast. Dr. Elaine Larson, an infectious disease expert, asserts that showering every day could actually make you sick. Over-showering dries out the skin by stripping away natural oils, and bacteria easily slip into those tiny cracks.
To prevent disease, washing your hands is mostly adequate, says Larson. Dr. C. Brandon Mitchell, a professor of dermatology, notes that your body is a naturally well-oiled machine, and a daily shower isn't necessary.
Ideal Shower Duration
Few things are more relaxing than a long, hot shower. But the longer your shower takes, the more your skin will suffer. This is because the cells that defend your skin, keratinocytes, are stripped of natural oils.
Dermatologists told Insider that an ideal shower lasts between five and ten minutes. In general, the longer your shower, the more damage your skin could receive, leading to irritation and dryness due to the removal of essential oils.
Keep Body Wash Away From Your Face
Using body wash on your face might be convenient, but this soap isn't made for your face. Your facial skin is thinner and more tender than other parts of your body. According to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, body soap can throw off the pH of your skin. Its harsh oils can also deteriorate your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Separate facial cleansers are made for a reason; aim for a fragrance-free cleanser to avoid skin irritation.
The Myth of "Squeaky Clean"
"Squeaky clean" is a good standard for counters and floors—not our skin. If your skin feels "squeaky clean," you're likely over-washing it. According to aesthetician Athena Hewett, this could cause a person to break out due to an unhappy pH balance. Over-washing strips the skin's protective oils, which can lead to breakouts, especially for those with oily skin. Dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo notes that this feeling can stem from using the wrong cleanser, especially acne cleansers.
Avoid Daily Hair Washing
Although everyone's hair is different, most people don't need to wash their hair every day. Shampooing removes harmful bacteria but also destroys healthy bacteria. Dr. Dominic Burg advises against washing your hair daily; instead, clean it just twice or three times a week. Healthy bacteria create a microbiome that regulates the pH of your hair. Over-washing strips this biome, making way for harmful bacteria to cause inflammation and scalp irritation.
Risks of Towel-Wrapping Wet Hair
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that wrapping your hair in a towel after showering can damage it because hair is fragile when wet. Hair wraps can tug on your hair and break them. To minimize damage, try not to twist the towel too tightly. Using a thin, delicate towel can reduce damage. Waiting for your hair to dry a bit and combing it beforehand will also decrease potential damage, keeping your hair healthier and less prone to breakage.
The Downside of Washing Your Face in the Shower
Washing your face in the shower saves time, but most dermatologists advise against it. Showers are often too hot and too pressurized for facial skin. Dermatologist Hadley King notes that facial skin will dry out if exposed to water for too long.
Although King didn't completely advise against washing one's face in the shower, she warned that it shouldn't be happening for too long, too frequently, or in conditions that are too hot. It has more to do with common shower habits than the act itself.
Frequency of Washing Towels
Most people understand that they should wash their shower towels, but according to the American Cleaning Institute, towels should be washed after three to four uses. Dermatologist Alok Vij told the Cleveland Clinic that shower towels develop mold, yeast, and bacteria from warm moisture.
The frequency of washing depends on how well your towels dry; throwing them on the floor allows more bacteria to fester. If you're sick, consider washing your shower towel after each use.
Razors Shouldn't Stay in the Shower
Just as washcloths gather bacteria in the shower, razors do as well. "Our shower is one of the most moist and humid parts of our house. This leads to increased risk of our razors rusting, which can affect the quality of our shave," says dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky.
Warm, wet environments cause razors to rust more quickly and become breeding grounds for bacteria. When you shave, you open pores in your skin, making infection more likely. To prevent this, dry your razors after use and store them upright outside of the shower.
Benefits of Cold Showers
Cold showers might sound daunting, but research shows they can strengthen the immune system. A 2016 study in PLoS One found that people who took cold showers were 29% less likely to get sick. Even turning the shower cold for 30 to 90 seconds can make a difference.
Cold showers can also improve mood by making neurotransmitters more sensitive to endorphins, potentially helping people with depression. Just a 30-second blast can have significant benefits.
Over-Exfoliation Concerns
Exfoliating cleansers and face masks are common, but they can lead people to exfoliate every day, which will damage your skin over time. Dr. Aanand Geria recommends exfoliating once or twice a week.
Over-exfoliating irritates your skin, especially on the face. By exfoliating sparingly, you allow your skin to produce natural oils that help maintain healthy skin. Over-exfoliation can make your skin feel waxy or sensitive and may cause redness, peeling, and burning.
The Issue with Hot Showers
If you like your showers scalding hot, you'll be disappointed by this news: hot showers are not healthy for your skin. Dermatologist Erum Ilyas explains that hot water strips the natural oils from your skin.
Without these oils, your skin may feel itchy or dry after a hot shower. The problem becomes more significant with age, as our skin thins and becomes more sensitive to hot water. Lower your water temperature to warm or limit time in hot showers.
Importance of Immediate Moisturizing
If you wait between drying off and applying lotion, you're making a mistake. Despite feeling wet, your skin will be dried out after a long while in a hot shower. There's a benefit to immediately applying lotion: Your skin will absorb it more effectively.
Heidi Waldorf, director of cosmetic dermatology, recommends using an unscented lotion to keep your skin hydrated. Immediate moisturizing helps lock in moisture and maximize the benefits of your skincare routine.
Don't Leave Loofahs in the Shower
Leaving your loofah, washcloth, or sponge in the shower between rinses is a mistake. Bacteria thrive in moist, warm environments, and leaving loofahs in the shower creates a breeding ground for mold, yeast, and bacteria.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology revealed that loofahs can host dangerous bacteria like E. coli. To be safe, dry your loofah or washcloth outside of the shower, or simply wash with your hands to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid Loofahs After Shaving
As you shave, your skin opens up tiny holes that are perfect for bacteria to sneak into. Since loofahs are bacteria breeding grounds, they aren't ideal for post-shave washing. Dermatologist Melissa Piliang advises against using loofahs or washcloths for a couple of days after shaving.
Piliang recommends using your loofah only once or twice a week. Your hands are enough to lather soap across your body, reducing the risk of skin irritation and infection.
Regular Bathtub Cleaning
When was the last time you cleaned your bathtub? Despite all the soap, showers and tubs become dirty quickly. Microbiologist Jason Tetro says that harmful bacteria like E. coli thrive in the shower.
Tetro recommends cleaning your tub every two weeks and disinfecting your shower curtains weekly. After cleaning, leave the shower door or curtains open to ensure airflow, which helps to dry the bathroom completely and prevents the growth of bacteria and mold.
Problems with Soap Dishes
Although soap dishes are common in showers, they can pose a risk to skin health. Elaine Larson, an associate dean of epidemiology at Columbia University, warns that germ-infested soap can be problematic.
Bacteria thrive on the slimy coating that soap bars develop when left on a dish. While these bacteria won't harm you unless you have a compromised immune system, storing your soap bar in a dry place can help reduce bacterial growth and maintain cleanliness.
Importance of Washing Your Feet
Dripping soap isn't enough to wash your feet. It's essential to scrub your feet because they are covered with bacteria that can cause foot odor. Disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja recommends brushing your feet to remove bacteria effectively.
Exfoliating your feet with a sponge, washcloth, or loofah will help prevent infections like staph, warts, or athlete's foot. Regular foot washing is crucial to maintaining good hygiene and preventing unpleasant odors and infections.
Correct Way to Apply Conditioner
Many people apply conditioner to their scalp and work their way down, but this can irritate your skin. Kalin Spooner of KS Hair Artistry suggests that applying conditioner above your crown line can make hair flat and limp.
Since oil gathers at the crown of your head, adding more oils can lead to greasiness. Start with the bottom of your hair—the oldest, driest part—and gradually work your way up to prevent an oily scalp and maintain healthy hair.
Importance of Showering After Exercise
A post-workout shower isn't just for odor; it also prevents infections. According to women's health director Holly Phillips, leftover sweat allows bacteria to breed, which can cause rashes and acne or even lead to staph infections.
While your skin won't suffer from occasionally skipping a shower, changing into dry clothes and using baby powder can help. When you do shower, a five-minute wash is sufficient to remove sweat and bacteria effectively.
Issues with Hard Water
Unlike soft water, hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium. These chemicals can interact with your soaps and shampoos, making them less effective. Hard water can also build up in your hair, making it tangled or limp.
If your hair feels different after showering at a gym or hotel, it's likely due to the water's hardness. To prevent hard water issues, consider installing a water softener to maintain healthy hair and skin.
Replace Old Razors Regularly
After multiple uses, razors accumulate dead skin cells and bacteria. A dull or rusted razor can create nicks, red bumps, and potentially spread infection. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe recommends replacing your razor blade after a few uses to maintain hygiene.
Rinse your razor after each use to prevent rust, dry it with a towel, and store it in a dry area like a medicine cabinet. These practices help keep your razor sharp and your skin safe.
Advantages of Bath Towels Over Regular Towels
Have you ever wondered why bath towels feel softer than regular towels? It's not just for comfort; it's for your hair's health. Celebrity hairstylist Monae Everett notes that the rough texture of standard towels may damage your hair.
Wet hair is more fragile, and wringing it with a rough towel can cause damage along the hair shaft, leading to tangles and frizz. If bath towels aren't available, use a microfiber towel or t-shirt and be gentle when drying.
Importance of Removing Hair from Drains
If you let hair build up in your shower, the drain could clog, creating problems for both your plumbing and health. A clogged drain leads to stagnant water, which allows bacteria to gather quickly.
Stagnant water can also create mold and warp your shower floor. A drain cover can prevent hair from tangling in your drain, and removing leftover hair after your shower will prevent these issues. If your drain clogs, consider using a drain cleaner.
Avoid Facing the Showerhead on Startup
In 2009, researchers from the University of Colorado found that over 30% of showerheads contain the infectious pathogen Mycobacterium, which can cause pulmonary disease. Facing the shower when you turn on the water may expose you to bacteria.
While these germs won't affect those with a strong immune system, immunocompromised people, children, pregnant women, and the elderly may struggle to fight them off. Clean your showerhead frequently and let the water run before hopping in to reduce exposure.
