8 showering myths you should wash off right now

Number 4 is the most important

KARACHI: Considering that most people shower at least once a day, we really ought to know how to do it right by now. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Surprising as it may seem, there happens to be a tub-load of incorrect information about showering out there which is causing our hair and skin quite a lot of damage. As compiled from Glamour magazine, here are eight myths that you might be taking into the shower with you.



1. A loofah is better than a bar soap

While many of us think bar soaps to be the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, a study in Epidemiology & Infection found that they actually don't transfer the bacteria on to your skin. In fact, that’s what loofahs do.

The squidgy things are so porous that dead skin cells often get stuck inside.  If you’re using a loofah, make sure to clean it properly and replace it every few months.

2. Hot water is better than cold water

We get it… there is nothing like a nice, warm shower at the end of a long day, especially if the day has been cold or rainy. But guess what? Dermatologists don’t recommend it. Dr Debra Jaliman – a dermatologist in New York and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist – suggests switching to lukewarm water instead.

This is because hot water tends to deplete the natural oils on your skin and so, dry it out. "The natural oils that you have in your skin is much better than any moisturizer, so it's better to keep that oil on your skin," she said.



3. A long shower is better than short shower

Unnecessarily long showers are not good for neither your skin, nor your water bill. Again, the natural oils are at danger here. Jaliman suggests keeping your showers short and at moderate temperatures.

4. Water temperature affects your pores

It’s a fact that hot water opens up your pores while cold water closes them but according to dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, pores are genetic! That means, your pores are unlikely to change in the shower so you need not worry about that any longer.

5. Showering in the morning is better than showering later

This is simply a matter of preference. A quick shower can awaken you but having said that, a thorough wash at the end of the day can rinse off everything that may have accumulated on your skin during the day, said dermatologist Joel Schlessinger. He also claimed it is better to use deodorant at night. “Deodorants and antiperspirants actually are absorbed best when there is minimal moisture, such as while you sleep,” he said.

6. You should dry off with brisk toweling

Schlessinger advises using a soft towel to pat yourself dry. “Rubbing your skin with your towel, can irritate it. Instead, pat your skin dry to minimise friction,” he stated.

7. Dry yourself completely before you moisturise

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to apply lotion is when your skin is still damp from the shower. “This will help lock the moisture inside your skin,” said Schlessinger. If you wait, your skin will get dryer.

8. You should shower daily

As per dermatologist David Bank – who also happens to be the author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age, daily showers can also dry your skin out, particularly during winter. Bank says you should do it just three days a week, especially for the sake of your hair.

According to Shainhouse, you should wash just the other particularly dirty parts (e.g. feet) daily and avoiding soap if you shower more than once a day.

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