When it comes to guilty pleasures, we’ll take a hot bath without hesitation. Call us predictable or boring but there’s nothing like a soothing soak and pruney skin to turn those ‘ughs’ to ‘ahhhs.’ Which is why our day was well and truly dampened when we realised we’d been doing ourselves a major disservice – at least, that is, according to Dr Stacy Chimento, a board certified dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology.
“There are some basics when it comes to taking a bath that people should know to make sure they aren’t damaging their skin without meaning to,” she recently told Well & Good.
The first big no-no? Having the temp too high.
“Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils, which leaves it dehydrated and dull-looking,” Dr. Chimento said. “If you get the water on your face as well, this can cause acne flare-ups, breakouts, and skin irritation.” The ideal range is between 37 and 43C°, which is warm but not uncomfortably steamy.
Dr. Chimento says the ideal temperature for a bath is between 37 and 43 degrees, so which is warm but not uncomfortably hot. “If the water is too hot, the outer layer begins to break down, allowing the entry of bacteria and toxins and drawing out moisture.”
Cutting back on the time you’re spending sitting and stewing is important too (Dr. Chimento recommends no longer than 15 minutes to eliminate any risk of inflammation.) And careful shaving before-hand as this “opens your pores sometimes creates little nicks in the skin” which can allow germs and bacteria from the water to sneak in.
@kaiagerber
Essential oils are another hard pass (sorry!) “Essential oils should never be mixed with water, as they won’t dilute,” Dr. Chimento said. “While essential oils are rich in antioxidants and antibacterial ingredients beneficial for the skin, most of them include fragrance ingredients that can significantly irritate the skin.” Her tip for a nice-smelling and nourishing soak? Mixing said essential oils with aloe vera and oats (think of it like a home-made scrub minus any harsh abrasives.)
“Immediately following your bath, moisturise your skin while it’s still slightly damp to seal in moisture,” Dr. Chimento concluded. “You can do this with any lotion or body oil.” Noted.
Main image: @bellahadid
What’s your go-to self-care practice?
I actually don’t like it too hot, I get overheated and feel very faint
My showers and baths are probably too hot. Too bad, I live for them.
I’m not sure what temp my showers are at – I’d love a shower thermometer! Wonder where I could get one of those?
Prefer a shower to a bath.
Do not do baths as city water is so bad. And have no idea how hot showers are, like them comfy.
I don’t like really hot baths, but I do like to soak for longer than 15 minutes. I don’t have dry or sensitive skin, so it’s not doing me any harm.
I’m not into baths. I’d much prefer a nice warm shower.
15 minutes doesn’t count as a bath!
Oh I do want to try the new way
Haven’t had a bath in a very long time, unfortunately where I am living it only has a shower.
If I ever get the chance to travel again I hope my Hotel Room will have a bath at least I can use there water. Some great Tips for having a bath the proper way.
I love a long warm deep bath – its like a giant soft hug !
Sadly my bathroom is in pieces. It only has a working toilet. I do have an ensuite though but its the main bathroom that had the bath. The bath is sitting in my dining area waiting to be installed. Im trying to get the money together for that but its going to be a long way off so no baths for me.
I’m not a bath person at all. Give me a nice warm shower in winter and a cool one in summer and I’m happy.
Haven’t had a bath since our last trip to Japan were onsens (hot springs) are popular. Quite often the temperature is way too hot for me. The only time I could enjoy one was when we could control the temperature in a private bath.
15 minutes! That’s no where near enough time for a bath. That’s almost how long it takes to fill up my bathtub lol
Don’t have a tub. Cries
Haven’t had a proper bath in a long time. I think the time calls for it now
A nice, warm bubble bath would be perfect right about now!
This is looks good
Love to have a soak in the bath tub , so relaxing.
Not a bath person… But when was a bath simply not a bath??? Do what pleases you, I say!!!
recently moved into a place with a tub and i have been having a bath at least twice a week since. its soo good. bit of epsom salt or a bath bomb. Devine. – haha though im a positive after reading this that they have been too hot. haha skin peeling off too hot.
I enjoy a weekly bath
I haven’t had a bath for years. I prefer showers for efficiency. If I do have a bath I add salt to the water to help relax the muscles and to keep bacteria at bay.
I waNT more than 15 mins.
when its cold, a nice warm bath warms you right up
I don’t have a bathtub 🙁
I haven’t had a bath in years. I hate shallow baths it’s so the opposite of relaxing. Half if me is cosy whereas the other half I’m freezing my t!ts off.
The last time I had a bath was in a hotel and I did get a little hot although I love my shower steaming.
Moisturising is so important whatever bath you get.
I enjoy a bath but I feel very drained afterwards.
And yes, I moisturise after every bath and shower!
I don’t have a bath but when I visit my best friend I use his and I use Epsom salt in it… No fragrance.
I love a long hot bath. I usually do a face mask for the last 20 minutes then hop in the shower to wash it off and out of my hair.
Unfortunately don’t take many baths anymore.
Hmm. Short lukewarm bath? Might just have a shower.
If people want a hot bath, then I doubt that a dermatologist’s well-intentioned advice is going to stop them.
I’ve reported the spam by Elvis Rose on the “Serial SPAM member on BH” thread in the forums.
I am absolutely guilty of having bath water too hot
Haven’t taken a relaxing bath in years! Although in winter I do love a hot shower
I enjoy a weekly bath, usually on the weekend when there’s more time to relax in it
Must agree a lukewarm bath sounds awful
I really dont like bathing and I always shower. I do still remember when all bathrooms only had bathtubs and no showers. How thinks have changed.
I’m convinced – I’m heading to the shower right now!……
You are on my wavelength Love bug! I find it takes a little bit of planning and prep. I even like to give the bath a quick clean before I use it because my girls have all used it or worse, yikes, it gets dusty! (from lack of use!)
Yes it’s really nice to have that real alone time. Bliss! Not often enough for me I feel.
Yeah I have some bath salts I’d like to use up and hoping they will feel nice on my muscles too. Been doing lots of exercise in this lockdown so my muscles could really do with a treat.
haha yeh that’s probably why I do just have showers – it’s quicker and feels warmer as the water doesn’t go cold after a bit.
Wow a weekly one sounds good – I can probably count the number of times I’ve had a bath in this house we built (15 years ago) on just one hand!! Need to do it more I feel.
I’m thinking of having a nice bath since we are in lockdown and I have extra time at home. Good to read these tips!
Yes you should. try to do so mmore often clearcrystalwater I enjoy the ‘me’ time, it’s relaxing and indulgent.