New York City and Manhattan, NY
It is quite common to shower or bathe daily. While washing once a day is recommended for most individuals, the frequency and water temperature could be causing damage to your skin or worsen an already existing skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea. Everyone’s skin is different. But, board-certified dermatologists in NYC, Drs. Debra Wattenberg and Ilyse Lefkowicz, want to share some tips on protecting your skin while keeping it clean.
Take one shower a day
Most people can get by with bathing once a day. Showering too often can dry out your skin and cause skin irritations. But, there are certainly times with bathing more than once a day makes sense. For instance, if your work causes you to get really dirty or sweat a lot, then it would be safe to bathe for a second time. The same goes for people who are athletic or workout enough to generate sweat and body odor. But, if you wash more than once a day, be sure to follow the other tips we provide below.
Use the right water temperature, and limit your time
During the winter, taking a long, hot shower is the perfect way to warm up whether you are bathing early in the morning before starting your day or right before bed to relax. But, taking long, hot showers dries out your skin. If you must bathe using really hot water, limit your bathing session to no more than 5 to 10 minutes. Otherwise, wash using lukewarm water.
Moisturize
Ideally, you should apply a moisturizer right after you shower and dry off. Moisturizers help lock in moisture to prevent you from experiencing uncomfortable, itchy skin. Amp up your routine by washing with a moisturizing soap or shower gel for added skin protection. If you aren’t sure which skincare products are best for you, consult with our board-certified dermatologists in Manhattan for recommendations on what to use.
Consult a board-certified dermatologist
Regardless of how often you bathe, or the water temperature you use, if you still experience skin problems, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan. Trying to deal with an uncomfortable or even irritating skin condition on your own can be difficult and seem impossible to manage. Drs. Wattenberg and Lefkowicz can evaluate your condition and make recommendations based on your specific skin care needs. You may even benefit from professional dermatological treatments to help manage your condition.
What about my hair?
Just like skin, everyone’s hair care needs vary. If you are someone that sweats a lot or gets dirty because of the nature of your job, then you may need to wash your hair more often than someone who works in an office or from home. Also, some people have a predisposition to experiencing oily hair. If this sounds like you, consider trying a dry shampoo spray so that you can go further between washes. Use your best judgment to decide what works best for you regarding how often you should wash your hair. Feel free to ask our dermatologists what is best for your case.
Dermatologists in NYC
If you have questions or would like additional information on skin and haircare, please contact NY Skin RX at (212) 288-3200 to schedule a consultation at our office on the Upper East Side. We’re proud to serve our patients located in Manhattan and throughout New York City.