Is there such a thing as showering too much? A dermatologist explains.

Showering is what we often do to clean our bodies of the day’s dirt, grime and odor. But what is the best way to do it? Is exfoliating something you should do in the shower? Should you wash your feet? Dr. Oyetewa Asempa, dermatologist and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine, dives in and answers questions about shower culture.

Question: What is the best shower routine for healthy skin?
Answer: A good shower routine starts with using lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Although it may feel relaxing, hot water can cause dryness, irritation and flares of certain skin conditions like eczema.

Keep showers short, ideally under 10 minutes. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. After the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel and immediately apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture.

Q: How do you choose the best soap?
A: Choose a soap that is gentle, fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin if needed.

Look for cleansers labeled as moisturizing or hydrating, especially those containing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. There are also specific soaps designed for eczema, acne or very dry skin.

Q: What is the best post-shower care for your skin?
A: Post-shower care is all about sealing in moisture. Apply a moisturizer, ideally a cream or ointment rather than a lotion, within 3 minutes of stepping out of the shower while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap water in the skin and supports the barrier. If you use prescription creams, apply them to clean skin after moisturizing or as directed by your dermatologist.

Q: Does antibacterial soap help with body odor?
A: Yes, antibacterial soap can help with body odor! Consider using a soap containing 4% benzoyl peroxide on the armpits or other areas of concern – note that this can cause fabric bleaching.

Q: Should you wash the bottom of your feet?
A: Yes, the bottoms of your feet should be washed regularly. Your feet come into contact with sweat, bacteria and dead skin that can build up over time. Gently washing and exfoliating the soles can help prevent odor, calluses and fungal infections. Be careful not to over-scrub or use hot water, as this can lead to dryness and irritation.

Q: How often should you exfoliate?
A: Most people only need to exfoliate one to two times per week. This helps remove dead skin cells and can improve skin texture, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, redness and damage to the skin barrier. Select gentle exfoliants and adjust the frequency according to your skin type and sensitivity.

Q: Can you shower too much?
A: Yes, over-showering is real and can compromise your skin barrier. Showering more than once a day or taking very long or hot showers can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation and even eczema flares. If you do need to shower more than once a day, keep it short and use a gentle cleanser only where necessary. Moisturize your skin every time afterward to protect it.

By Taylor Barnes