PSA: Showering With Hot Water Is Drying Out Your Skin

When dealing with dryness, even the simple task of washing your body can leave your skin feeling even more tight and irritated. Choosing a hydrating body wash is key: "Look for moisturizing ingredients like essential oils, aloe vera, and ceramides,” says Loretta Ciraldo, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. “Look for [words or phrasing] like fragrance-free, sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, moisturizing, hydrating, and skin-calming as descriptions on the product.”

While a hydrating body wash is essential to prevent leaving your skin even scalier than before, there are more additional steps you can take. Hot showers can be comforting, they can irritate your skin and draw out moisture. Dr. Ciraldo says it's best to keep the water around room temperature to keep your skin happy. Contrary to what you may have been told before, Dr. Ciraldo recommends long showers and says to "stay in the shower or bath until your fingertips wrinkle up as this means your skin has absorbed a large amount of water." Once you're done washing, don't forget to slather on your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to help lock in the extra hydration.

Here are the best body washes that cleanse without drying out your skin.