You're in Hot Water !

There is nothing like a hot shower or soak in the tub after a long day. Both are relaxing, soothing, cleansing and most of us feel better afterwards. So, a hot shower or bath is always good for you, right? WRONG!

You may think that taking a steamy shower or a hot bath hydrates your skin, but long showers or baths, particularly in hot water, can actually have the opposite effect on your skin. Hot water dries out your skin and hair and if it is too hot it can burn your skin and cause permanent damage.  Your skin’s most superficial layers, the papillary and reticular layers in the dermis, are the layers with the highest oil concentration.  These layers and cells produce oils and fatty substances, which act as a seal that retains moisture in the skin. Studies show that hot showers and baths, as well as cold, dry air, chafing and excessive scrubbing can lead to dry skin. Besides stripping most of the natural oils from the surface of your skin, hot water also depletes water from your skin cells internally (making them less supple), and causes your pores to become swollen, leaving your skin highly susceptible to damage. The negative effects of hot water are particularly felt during the winter months, as exposing your skin to cold air right after washing with hot water often causes redness and peeling. However, even during the summer this is a bad idea, as the effects of hot water leave your skin more prone to sun damage, as well as makes it easier for dirt to get clogged in your pores year-round.Many people, locals and visitors of Tampa come to Cleanse Apothecary looking for a remedy to help sooth and repair their dry skin. Being centrally located to Moffitt Cancer Center, Cleanse also works with patients to sooth the effects that chemotherapy has on their skin.  Instead of hot showers or baths, you should follow these steps to cleanse your body, including people who suffer with chronically dry skin, psoraisis or eczema. Also remember many medications can dry out your skin too, so it is important to read the side effects.  It is never to late to take care of your skin.
 1   Wash with slightly warm water; it expands your pores to some degree, which is necessary in order to remove dirt and bacteria that may be clogged within them.

2   Rinse soap/facial cleanser off with cold water. Cold water causes pores to tighten/contract and leaves you less susceptible to damage. After bathing follow with a body lotion and when exposing yourself to the sun, use sunscreen.

3  Hot water even effects your hair. Wash your hair in the coolest water you can manage, or at least rinse it in cold water at the end & follow with a healthy dose of conditioner. 

While you are young and healthy, you should start now and follow these steps to keep your skin looking it's best! Visit Cleanse Apothecary & let us help you keep your skin feeling and looking good!