There are few things better than a brutally hot shower in the dead of winter. You can almost feel your skin coming back to life from being cold all day, or week, or month. Despite the immediate gratification a hot shower provides, it can actually be quite damaging to your skin health. Before you click away and decide that taking a hot shower is more important than your skin health (an understandable opinion), it is important to note that:
1. Only very hot and/or long showers do significant damage
2. There are ways to keep your skin hydrated even if you choose to still take those scalding hot showers.
With this in mind, today we will review what truly constitutes as a “hot” shower, how and why hot showers can dry out your skin, some easy shower tips to avoid dry, itchy skin, and finally how once-daily moisturizer can work to hydrate cracked and dry skin.
What is Considered a “Hot” Shower?
When we talk about hot showers, that isn’t exactly a scientific term. What might feel hot to one person might feel lukewarm to another. As a general rule, most physicians recommend keeping water temperature for showers and baths below 110 degrees fahrenheit. Obviously we don’t expect anyone to measure their water temperature, so the real aspect to keep in mind here is that the water temperature should never cause pain or redness on the skin. If you feel uncomfortable stepping into your shower, the water is probably too hot.
The good news here is that sub-scalding shower temperatures that will not damage your skin can still be pretty warm bordering on hot. This is especially true when compared to the frigid winter temperatures outside. Your body temperature fluctuates more than most of us realize. It doesn’t take much to warm up when it is below freezing outside. Keep the temperature change gradual and try to avoid extra hot showers to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Hot Showers may Lead to Dry, Damaged Skin
At a glance, one might think that showers and baths would leave our skin more hydrated than ever. In truth, hot showers can strip away the outer layer of skin, leaving us itchy, uncomfortable, or even burned. Symptoms of skin from excessively hot showers include redness, itchy skin, rash, and pain. The answer to why our skin hates hot showers is really quite simple: hot showers are sometimes hot enough to give first degree burns. Even if you are close to such a temperature, your skin may respond negatively over time.
Some people enjoy hot showers because it relaxes them or even for more specific reasons like it opening up stubborn pores. There is no reason to avoid some heat in the shower. We recommend keeping the heat at a reasonable level and finishing your shower by turning down the temperature for a minute or two. This allows your body and your skin to reacclimate, close up pores, and can even prevent some of the negative aspects of a scalding hot shower.
How Moisturizer Works to Repair Dry Skin
Let’s be honest, you are probably still going to take hot showers. Don’t worry, most people still do even in the face of all of this damning information. The good news is that with once-daily moisturizer, you can keep your skin protected and hydrated this winter and all year round. One of the keys to a successful moisturizing regimen is to make moisturizer part of your daily shower routine. Shower, shave, deodorant, moisturize, and you are ready for the day. But how exactly do moisturizers work to protect your skin?
The key to moisturization is in the ingredients. By harnessing the power of humectants, emollients, and occlusives, your skin will be hydrated on the outside and from within. Potent ingredients including amino acids help to nourish and strengthen skin as well. Remember, moisturized skin isn’t just more comfortable to the touch, it is stronger under tough conditions as well!
HEFF for Men Protects Dry, Cracked, and Damaged Skin
HEFF cream for hands, elbows and feet has been specifically formulated for working men. Harnessing the power of amino acids, our lotion is ideal for even the most dry, cracked skin. Think of once-daily HEFF as routine maintenance for your body. Shower, shave, apply daily moisturizing cream, and you are all set for a day of hard work or hard play. When the air is dry and the temperatures drop this winter, HEFF will be there to keep your skin healthy and strong.For every tube of HEFF sold, we are proud to donate a tube to Operation Gratitude. This is a small way of giving back to the men and women who keep our country safe.To find HEFF, shop on Amazon, find us at any of these national retailers, or contact us directly for more information today!