The Dos and Don’ts of Taking a Bath (and You Thought Baths Were No-Brainers…)
By Chloe Metzger
There are few images that can make me melt into a state of blissful happiness faster than that of sliding into a steaming bath at the end of an exhausting winter night. Unfortunately, even the simplest of life’s pleasures comes with some downsides. Dermatologists might even argue that bathtubs should come with a dry-skin warning. Luckily, there are ways around that particular hurdle. Read on for an itch-free bath time.
Do save soap for the end. The main drying culprit isn’t hot water; it’s hot, soapy water. “Soap is worse than the water in terms of breaking down the skin barrier,” says dermatologist Amy Wechsler, who advises washing at the end of the bath. No need to despair if you like bubbles, though. Wechsler suggests adding a little oil to your bubble bath or using a formula that already has it. We like all of the Library of Flowers bubble baths with cocoa butter.
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Don’t stay in for more than 15 minutes. “Longer than that and you’ll get prune-y skin,” says Wechsler. Wrinkly palms and feet happen when the top layer of the skin has lost water, causing it to shrivel up. If you do stay in for an hour, moisturize immediately when you get out, before your skin has dried. “When your skin is still moist, it acts like a sponge,” says Wechsler. (Bath salts are especially drying; if you use them, get out after ten minutes.)
Make like salad dressing. Bath oil (or safflower, almond, or sunflower oil) keeps moisture in, but only if you use a generous amount—a whole cup per bath, according to Wechsler. Just make sure to clean the tub really well after you get out so the next person doesn’t slip.
Additional reporting by Ramona Emerson.
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