Many of us suffer from dry skin after a shower, particularly on the legs and arms. Here we look at how changing the way you shower could be the key to soothing dry skin.
What can cause dry skin after a shower?
Cold weather can play havoc with our skin's moisture levels so it is quite common to suffer with dry skin after a shower in the cooler months and even into spring. But, whilst the weather plays a key role in determining how dry our skin is, it’s not the only factor at play.
Dry skin develops when the skin produces less sebum and it can be exacerbated by:
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Over-exfoliating
- Use of alcohol-based skin care
- Use of SLS-based skin care
- Dietary deficiencies
With some commonly used body wash ingredients known to exacerbate dry skin, it’s possible that your dry skin could be solved by simply changing your shower regime.
4 moisturising shower gels for dry skin
5 dry skin shower tips to try
1) TURN DOWN THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR SHOWER
It can be tempting to have a super-hot shower but washing in very warm water can damage blood vessels below the skin surface.
Going from room temperature to a hot, steamy environment also exposes your skin to a sudden temperature change and this can leave the skin more vulnerable to dryness.
2) SWITCH FROM SLS
SLS is an irritating detergent that is commonly used to make shower gels, bubble bath and shampoos. Effective at washing skin and hair, this ingredient is known to aggravate sensitive skin and strips the skin of its natural protective oils.
The skin on the scalp can be particularly vulnerable to SLS so if your scalp is feeling itchy or flaky, try switching to an SLS-free shampoo. This will help soothe the skin and bring it back into balance.
Skin prone to eczema can also benefit from SLS-free shower products. Made with hydrating Aloe Vera, our SLS-free shower gels retain moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy.
Which body wash is best for dry skin?
Unsure which body wash to use? To make shopping for SLS-free products easier Green People does not use SLS in any products. Instead we use natural foaming agent such as Coconut and Yucca which soothe the skin as they cleanse.
Our very favourite body wash for dry skin is our luxurious Moisturising Shower Gel. Featuring organic Aloe Vera and sweet floral extracts from Neroli, it gives a blissful shower experience.
3) AVOID ALCOHOL-BASED SHOWER PRODUCTS
Alcohol is often added to personal care products to make them feel lighter on the skin but some alcohols, such as ethanol, are drying on the skin. When applied to the skin, ethanol evaporates and strips away your skin’s natural moisture. This can leave it feeling tight and dry.
It can be challenging to avoid alcohol-based skin care and it is important to remember that not all alcohol is bad for the skin.
Cetearyl alcohol for example, is a wax-like ingredient derived from plants and is used in many Green People products for its excellent nourishing and emollient properties.
4) TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN EXFOLIATING
Regularly exfoliating the skin has many benefits and we recommend exfoliating at least twice a week during the winter using an oil-based sugar scrub.
Exfoliating every day should be avoided. This is because excessive exfoliation speeds up skin-cell turnover to an unhealthy rate.
This damages the skin barrier function and can leave skin feeling tight, sensitive or prone to allergic reactions and acne breakouts.
5) ADAPT YOUR AFTERCARE REGIME
The way you care for your skin after you step out of the shower can be as damaging to the skin as the way you shower.
Rubbing skin dry with a towel after bath time can aggravate sensitive skin so consider patting the skin dry instead.
Once the skin is dry it is important to lock in hydration by applying a skin-nourishing body lotion or body oil. Opt for a lotion or oil rich in Omega-3&6 as these fatty acids are known to soften and protect the skin.
Would you like help choosing the best shower gel for dry skin? Our UK customer care team is happy to help on 01403 740350 or via @GreenPeopleUK on social.
