Bathing and showering are one of the most common practices across the globe. We’ve been doing it ever since we were little children. It helps us stay clean and healthy while helping us relax and remain stress-free for some time. Another thing that makes bathing and showering fun is that there are no strict rules to it. That being said, there are definitely some things that we’ve been doing wrong and should avoid.

Taking long showers
It’s natural to want to take a long, hot shower after a day at work. Hot showers are not only soothing, but they also get rid of all the day’s dirt and grime. Unfortunately, if you stay in the shower for too long, you may also be getting rid of all the essential and natural oils that the body produces. These natural oils protect the skin and prevent it from peeling and cracking. The ideal amount of time to spend in the shower is roughly 10 minutes. Anything more, and you could be doing more bad than good.

Excessive scrubbing
Another showering and bathing mistake is scrubbing ourselves too hard. Using a loofah to scrub your hands and back and digging your nails into the scalp can damage your skin. It can lead to redness, rashes, and even dryness. Instead of using loofahs or scrubbing too furiously, simply use your hands to gently massage and clean yourself.  This way, you can avoid dryness of the skin which can be accompanied by signs such as itchy bumps on the skin known as prurigo nodularis. Some of the most commonly affected areas are the upper back, lower back, arms, and legs. Even though it’s a rare condition, the affected areas can sting or burn.

Using too much soap
We enjoy using soaps and body washes while in the shower. But it is important to remember that soap can contain lots of chemicals. If used for long periods on your body, the chemicals can lead to damage. So, instead of lathering up and building foam on your body, use a little bit of soap both on your body and your head. Also, if you have colored hair, using too much soap can strip off the dye. This means your hair color will fade away sooner. To prevent such problems, use products formulated for color-treated hair once in a while.

Using a harsh towel
Your skin is sensitive after you get out of the shower. Using a harsh towel can lead to irritation and rid the skin of essential oils. Instead, opt for a soft towel with a higher thread count. These are much gentler on the skin.

It is also important to use suitable soap when taking a bath. Many soaps, body washes, and even hand washes come with colorants, silicones, parabens, and other unhealthy chemicals that can be harmful. This is why opting for healthy body washes and soaps is important. You can check out Aesop, which is a popular soap brand. It is vegan and has no synthetic fragrance compounds, parabens, silicones, and even colorants. It has some of the best body washes and soaps for both men and women.

If you’re looking for a tub, especially one that is safe for the elderly and those who suffer from arthritic conditions, try Safe Step Walk-In Tub. This tub has a low step, which makes it very safe to use. It comes with a door, over 10 shower jets, and a hand shower for ease of use.

Moisturizers help protect the skin from dryness and dehydration during severe winter periods. However, it is better to choose a tinted face moisturizer sunscreen lotion with at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and extreme changes in weather. These moisturizers offer dual-action applications and eliminate the need for multiple skincare products.