Like our teeth and our car, maintaining our skin as we age is essential unless we are casting to be a California Raisin by age 43.
So here is one simple doctor’s tip, a skin hack so to speak, that can make a real difference to your skincare.Â
Don’t shower……with hot water.
Don’t shower……for more than five minutes.
Â
Your shower should never be too hot, or too long. Hot water will not only dry out the skin, but also removes the skin's surface barrier called the acid mantle. This acid mantle gives us an invisible layer of anti-bacterial protection and, in addition, protects against excessive dryness, sensitivity and inflammation.
When we strip off our Levis and hop in a hot shower, we also strip away protective natural oils. Cold showers are the way to go, but start low and get there gradually…. as long as it's not hot. A little momentary shrinkage to avoid long term wrinklage. I know people who only shower with cold water, which they do because it is more invigorating. Furthermore, while they may not all be supermodels, they all have better skin. Overall, they are hotter because they go colder. Â
Â
- Spend no more than five minutes in the shower as prolonged water exposure can lead to dry skin and hair.Â
- Use a moisturizing body wash or shower oil to "maintain the delicate balance of the skin and leave the skin's protection in place, while also keeping the skin hydrated and nourished."
- And don’t wash your face, one of the most sensitive skin areas of your body. Even worse if you use hot water, of course. Hot water dilates blood vessels and capillaries and even promotes wrinkling.
So, whether you shut down your long, hot showers because you want to appeal to Ashton Kutcher or protect your skin….time to go tepid.