Want a great skin? Don't Make These 6 Showering Mistakes

INCREASE THE WATER TEMPERATURE

Hot water can be therapeutic for your skin, but it doesn't do it any good. Boiling water showers can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause redness and irritation. Set a comfortable warm temperature to be safe.

USE HARD SOAPS AND EXFOLIANTS

It's easy to just grab any old cleanser or shower gel off the drugstore shelf, but it's important to use one that's formulated for your skin type to avoid irritation and potential skin breakage. If the formula contains fragrances or coarse granules, switch to a milder formula, especially if you have sensitive skin.  

NO NEED TO FILTER HARD WATER

Quick primer: Our skin has an optimal pH of 5.5.and hard water has a pH above 7.5. When overly alkaline hard water gets on slightly acidic skin, it can dry it out. Chlorine, which can also cause dry skin, can also be found in hard water, so this combination can be brutal. If you live in an area with hard water, consider getting a shower filter that contains vitamin C, as this ingredient can help neutralize chlorinated water. You can also opt for cleansers, toners, and other skin care products with a slightly acidic pH to balance things out. 

SHAVING WITH A DIRTY, BACTERIALLY CONTAMINATED RAZOR

It seems logical to store your razor or washcloth in the place where you use it the most (like in the shower), but it puts your skin at risk. The shower is a dark and damp place, an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. The more your razor is in there, the more likely it is to become infected with nasty bacteria. Keep your razor and washcloth in a dry, ventilated place. It may be less comfortable, but at least your skin won't be covered in rust and grime. 

PS - Be sure to change your shaving heads often to avoid bumps and irritation due to a dull and overused blade. 

STAY THERE FOR A LONG TIME

Raise your hand if you are guilty of showering for a very, very long time. We understand the steam is really relaxing around. But being in the shower for too long — the question of how much you actually need to spend in the shower — has yet to be clarified — can draw too much moisture out of your skin, especially if it's prone to dryness. Leave some water for the fish and limit your shower time to about 10 minutes or less. 

AGGRESSIVELY CLEAN YOUR HEAD 

remember, that your scalp is skin just like the rest of your body. Would you start scratching the skin on your arm to clean it? (We hope not!) To cleanse your scalp, massage the shampoo at the roots with GENTLE, circular motions with your fingertips. You can apply some pressure, but whatever you do, don't start scratching your scalp with your nails!