First thing in the morning or at the end of the day, nothing makes you more awake or relaxed than taking a shower. Showering eases muscle pains and aches, improves immune function, enhances concentration, reduces swelling, increases blood flow, and makes it easier for you to breathe. However, you may not know there is a proper and improper way of showering. It is essential to understand the showering mistakes that can ruin your skin. Here are five post-shower mistakes to avoid for better skin:

1. Showering too Often

While you may make showering daily a habit, doing it more than a few times each week may not be necessary unless you feel extremely tired or sweaty. Showering removes healthy bacteria and oils from the skin, which is why doing it too frequently can cause dry and itchy skin. It also allows unhealthy bacteria to enter your body through the cracked skin. Exposing your body to normal bacteria and dirt strengthens your immunity. Additionally, showering too frequently wastes water.

2. Showering in Too Hot Water

A long, hot shower leaves you relaxed, refreshed, and fulfilled, especially during winter. However, showering in too hot water further removes natural oils that you need and can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy. It is best to shower using warm water, not spending more than 10 minutes per shower. This is even more important if your skin suffers from conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

3. Washing Your Hair Too Frequently

There is no need to wash your hair daily unless your scalp is oily. If you have treated your hair using chemicals, or if it is coarse or curly, you should wash it less frequently to avoid it becoming too dry. Especially as you age your hair produces less oil so there is no need to shower as frequently. However, you should shower more frequently to maintain a regular hair-cleaning routine if you exercise or engage in activities that make you sweat daily.

4. Failure to Wash Your Towel Often Enough

Yeasts, bacteria, viruses, and mold love breeding in damp towels. A dirty towel can cause athlete’s foot, fungus, and warts. You can avoid this by cleaning or changing your towel once every week. Also, make sure to use a well-dried towel. When drying the towel, spread it on a towel bar to dry more quickly. You should also clean your towels more frequently when you’re sick and during the summer when your home becomes more humid.

5. Failing to Moisturize Your Skin after Showering

It is essential to apply cream, lotion, or any moisturizer on your skin after showering since they help to trap moisture in your skin. Apply the moisturizer a few minutes after showering to allow time to dry off.