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When it comes to self care, taking a long, hot shower is at the top of many people’s list. The steamy atmosphere can feel spa-like and that hot water raining down on you can soothe sore muscles instantly. But while a nearly-scalding shower may feel nice in that moment, it can wreak long-term havoc on your skin, according to experts.
To find out how hot showers impact your skin, I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists. I also asked them how to determine how hot is too hot and rounded up products that can help you maintain (and regain) the health of your skin.
Are hot showers bad for your skin?
According to experts, hot showers are not great for your skin. Hot water strips your skin of moisture content and breaks down its natural barrier function. “Our skin barrier is important because it keeps moisture in and protects us from potential allergens and irritants in the outside environment,” says Dr. Caren Campbell, a San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist at Caren Campbell MD. “If we impair this barrier, too much moisture gets out and allergens and irritants get in, which leads to dry skin, rashes, irritation and potential increased risk for developing allergies.”
Here’s the thing: A one-off hot shower here and there probably won’t wreck your skin. But if you consistently take them, it’s likely drying out your complexion. The length of your shower also contributes to how it affects your skin, according to Campbell. The longer your skin is exposed to hot water, the larger the impact will be.
The best treatments for restoring dry skin
If you’re concerned your hot shower habit has led to dry skin, using hydrating products can help. All of the body ointments, creams and lotions below are from brands NBC Selected regularly covers and have an average 4-star rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon.
This balm made our list of best hand creams, but it can be used all over your body. It is made with petroleum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier, according to the brand. Shoppers say it can heal cracked knuckles or heels, isn’t greasy and like that it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Campbell likes this body wash because it’s gentle — and she’s not the only one. “I’m a devoted Vanicream user and love their moisturizer, face wash and this body wash,” says NBC Selected commerce editor Bethany Heitman. “It’s gentle on my sensitive skin and leaves it feeling smoother.” The formula is free of dyes, fragrances and parabens, according to the brand. Along with the body, you can also use it as a hand soap.
Use this multitasking lotion on your face and body. It’s formulated with shea butter and niacinamide to restore your skin’s barrier and also has prebiotics to feed the good bacteria in your skin, strengthen it and keep it healthy. Reviewers also note that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy going on.
NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin uses this to soothe her skin whenever it’s feeling dry and itchy. “My legs tend to get dry and cracked in the winter and I use this before bed — and wake up with skin that is significantly more hydrated,” she says. You can use it on both your face and body —it’s free of dyes and fragrances, making it a nice option for those with sensitive skin
This option made our list of best bar soaps, with experts saying it effectively cleanses skin without irritating it. The bar is made with moisturizing cream to infuse hydration back into skin as it cleanses. NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown is a fan, saying that “it’s a basic but good option for those who don’t want to fuss with an extensive skin care routine.”
How to protect your skin if you take hot showers
In addition to consistent hot water exposure, regularly using harsh soaps, body washes with strong fragrances, loofahs, wash cloths and anything that rubs against the body or face can further damage or irritate your skin, according to Campbell. In fact, consider using soap sparingly when showering if your skin is already feeling dry because it can strip away natural oils and make it even more dry.
“Limit soap to face, underarms and groin unless you are dirty in other places and use a fragrance free gentle soap like the Vanicream Wash,” says Campbell.If you really can’t give up your hot showers, you should focus on rehydrating skin to prevent irritation. “Moisturizing immediately after you finish helps to trap the moisture that enters your skin in the shower and keeps it hydrated,” says Dr. David Rayhan, a board certified dermatologist at Rayhan Dermatology. “This may help avoid dry skin, itching, worsening eczema, and the temporary but harmful effects on your skin’s appearance.”
Frequently asked questions
Taking a hot shower, especially a lengthy one, isn’t good for your skin, according to our experts. Hot showers deplete your skin of its natural moisture barrier. It is technically better, although more uncomfortable, to take a cold shower. If you’re worried about damaging your skin, opt for a shower that is between cold and lukewarm.
Again, the best shower is warm, not hot. Most dermatologists suggest staying close to body temperature, roughly 98 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (37 to 40 degrees Celcius). You don’t need a thermometer to tell when you’ve gone too far, because your skin will usually signal it. If the water makes your skin sting, burn, or turn noticeably red, it’s too hot, and those sensations mean the heat is irritating and inflaming the skin rather than cleansing it. A simple rule is to aim for water that feels comfortably warm from the moment you step in.
Yes, hot baths can harm your skin in the same way a too-hot shower can — especially if they’re long or frequent. To protect your skin, dermatologists generally recommend lukewarm water, keeping baths to about 10–15 minutes, using a gentle cleanser, patting dry instead of rubbing, and applying moisturizer within a few minutes of getting out to lock in hydration.
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Meet our dermatologists
At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Caren Campbell is a San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist at Caren Campbell MD.
- Dr. David Rayhan is a board certified dermatologist at Rayhan Dermatology in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected where I write about cleaning, appliances, organization and more. I’ve written about the difference between bath sheets and towels, the best dehumidifiers and more. For this story, I spoke with dermatologists about whether or not hot showers are bad for your skin.
Bethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Selected who contributed to this story.
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