Many of us love a long soak in a piping hot shower, but then find our skin is dry and flaking afterward. Did you know that there are several things that can be causing dry skin after showering and can be easily prevented by taking some simple steps in your showering routine?

Nada Ward, founder of solid soap bar brand, Beauty Kin, has provided insight into the most common causes of dry skin after showering, and things we should and shouldn’t be doing to help prevent or treat it.

What causes dry skin after showering?

According to Nada many of us absolutely love a long, hot shower. However, dry skin after showering can actually be caused by the temperature of the water. Yes, piping hot showers, as good as they may feel, are actually rather damaging to your skin. “This is due to the hot water stripping your skin of moisture and the natural oils and proteins which keep the skin healthy and well-nourished.”

A hot shower can cause mild burns to the skin

Not only does hot water strip the skin of its natural properties, the heat of the water can also cause mild burns to the skin, which may be a cause of irritation, and lead to dry and itchy skin.

It is recommended to turn the temperature of your shower down and opt for a warm shower, rather than blistering hot. Be kinder to your skin.

Too many showers per day

Sometimes it’s not just the water temperature causing dry skin, you also need to consider the amount of time you’re spending in the shower. Long time periods in the shower or showering several times per day can have the same damaging effect on your skin’s natural balance.

Nada adds: “I won’t be preaching about how many showers you should have per day as I’m all for good personal hygiene, but it’s definitely something to consider if you are prone to dry or irritable skin post-showering.

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Shower products

“The products that you’re using in the shower can also be the cause of dry skin. Many of your everyday shower gels and soaps contain ingredients that help them to lather up when applied to the skin; however, many of these ingredients have the potential to inflame your skin, leading to dry and irritated dry skin after showering. In worse cases, these ingredients may even lead to allergic reactions.

Natural ingredients

“This is why I always personally opt for using products with natural, non-harmful ingredients. This Hydrating Body Bar is the perfect skincare option. Containing the emollient squalane to help hydrate skin, as well as tomato seed oil which assists in reducing redness, the bar can help keep skin moisturized and supple every day.”

Plus, it’s not just the ingredients that can be rough on your skin, using harsh exfoliators or rough flannels and towels can also take a toll and leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. The Beauty Kin Exfoliating Body Bar can help you remove the dead skin cells and impurities in your skin with its exfoliating ingredients Olea Europaea (Olive) Seed Powder and organic Lactic Acid. When drying off after a show, try and use a soft towel that won’t be harsh on your skin. It is recommended to pat the skin dry to avoid any dry and flaking skin.

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Moisturiser is your best friend and you absolutely should be doing it after drying off after a shower. By doing this, you can keep your freshly washed skin well-nourished and moisturized, which can prevent dry skin after showering. Wet skin moisturizers are also a great idea – apply these to the wet skin before drying yourself off with a towel.