We are lucky to live in an age where regular bathing and cleanliness are the norm. However, we also live in a time of synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals that can irritate or dry your skin. Consider that even access to unlimited hot water can be hard on your skin. However, you can feel shower-fresh every day without ending up with itchy, flaky skin. All it takes is a little knowledge and the right skincare products.

 

Clean skin 101: What to avoid

Soap

Soaps contain chemicals called surfactants that remove dirt and oil from the skin. However, these same surfactants can also remove the skin's natural moisture. That’s especially true for body soaps when used on the face. Your facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. While the rest of you may be fine using bar soap, your face and neck may feel tight or dry.

 

Long, hot showers

A long, hot shower may feel good, but all that time spent in hot water can overdry the skin. Keeping tabs on your shower time is especially important if you have a condition where the skin can be easily damaged or irritated, such as eczema or diabetes. 

 

Harsh physical exfoliants

Exfoliating your skin is a good idea. Physical and chemical exfoliants remove dead skin to reveal healthy, brighter skin underneath. However, physical exfoliates with large, rough particles can cause micro-tears on the skin’s surface. Look for physical exfoliates with micro-ingredients like those found in SkinResourceMD’s Crystal Clarity Exfoliation Scrub. The micro-volcanic crystals are safe to use on the face and other areas of the body, such as the elbows or knees, where you might want to remove dead skin.

 

Rough scrubbing

A soft washcloth is perfect for cleansing your skin. However, be gentle. Your skin is your protective layer. If you get too vigorous, you can remove the natural oils your skin needs to stay flexible and strong.

 

Artificial or synthetic fragrances and ingredients

Your skin can have adverse reactions to harsh artificial or synthetic ingredients in your skincare products. Natural ingredients are less likely to irritate the skin.

 

 

Clean skin 102: How to keep your skin fresh, clean, and hydrated

1. Use a cleanser instead of soap. A facial cleanser that’s soap-free like SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel cleanses the skin but leaves the right amount of moisture behind. This particular formula is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to nourish the skin even as it washes away dirt and unwanted oil. While the Cleansing Gel is designed for the face, it’s strong enough for the entire body, making it a great addition to the shower. It can also be used for shaving to reduce skin irritation from your razor.  
   
   
2. Turn down the heat. If your skin is turning red, the water temperature is probably too high. Look for a balance between the water temperature and comfort. How cool can you keep the water and still be comfortable? Go with that temperature.
   
   
3. Set a time limit. Time limits are less important if you keep the water temperature down. However, staying in the shower for too long overly dries the skin. You can buy a shower timer online or simply set an alarm on your mobile phone to keep tabs on your shower time. Set the timer for 5 to 10 minutes. 
   
   
4. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. Use a soft clean towel to pat your skin dry. Aggressive rubbing with a towel can remove moisture that your skin needs. Be extra gentle around your face. Facial skin more easily shows signs of aging that result from pulling or tugging too aggressively.
   
   
5. Apply body and face moisturizers while the bathroom is still steamy. If you step out of the bathroom before applying your moisturizers, your skin can lose some of its hydration. Apply a layer of Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum before you leave the bathroom. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds on to water, giving your skin extra hydration. Follow it with a layer of Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer for deeper but light moisturizing. For the rest of your body, SkinResourceMD’s Total Skin Moisturizer provides antioxidants and vitamins that restore the skin and protect it from free radical damage. Apply these products before you leave the bathroom and lock in any moisture you’ve retained from the shower.

A relaxing shower to nourish your skin

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing shower at the end of the day. If you do it right, that shower can also moisturize your skin overnight. Applying your skincare products at the right time after a morning shower can lock that moisture in for the rest of the day. Shower smart, and stay hydrated!