Do Hot Showers Harm Your Skin and Hair?
Dermatologists generally agree that hot showers can dry out your skin and hair. While they’re undeniably relaxing—soothing muscles, lifting mood, and aiding sleep—hot water may strip away natural oils and moisture.
“There are benefits to warmer showers or baths, but none are for your skin,” Dr. Victoria Barbosa, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Chicago told the New York Times. She recommends lukewarm showers as a healthier option for skin and hair.
How Does Hot Water Affect Your Skin and Hair?
Hot water, particularly with harsh soaps, can damage the skin barrier, the outer layer that protects from irritants and locks in moisture. This barrier is made of dead cells and lipids (like ceramides and fatty acids) that keep the skin hydrated. Hot showers can strip away sebum, leading to dryness and disrupting the skin barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape. A 2022 study showed that hot water increased skin water loss, raised pH, and weakened the barrier, causing redness and dullness.
Hot water can also dry out hair by removing sebum, which keeps hair moisturized. Sebum coats the outer layer of hair, and rinsing with hot water can make hair brittle and prone to dryness. Dermatologists often advise less frequent washing and cooler rinsing to help retain natural oils.
Research Insights: The Impact of Hot Water on Skin Health
Recent research has increasingly highlighted the negative effects of hot water on skin health, particularly its impact on the skin barrier, moisture retention, and overall integrity. Exposure to hot water has been shown to cause various skin issues, including increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, irritation, and pH imbalances. Two studies, published in prominent dermatology and cosmetic science journals, further elucidate these effects and contribute valuable insights into how water temperature can alter skin physiology.
The first study, published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014), investigates the effects of water temperature on transepidermal water loss and skin barrier function. This research demonstrates that exposure to hot water (40–42°C) leads to a significant increase in TEWL, a key indicator of skin barrier disruption. The study highlights the vulnerability of the skin to dehydration and dryness when exposed to hot water, reinforcing the notion that the skin’s ability to retain moisture is compromised by high water temperatures.
Similarly, a 2015 study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology explores the impact of water temperature on the skin’s lipid composition and overall barrier function. It shows that hot water, particularly temperatures above 40°C, can weaken the skin’s lipid barrier, making the skin more permeable and susceptible to irritants. The study also points to changes in skin pH, further contributing to skin dryness, redness, and irritation, which can lead to a dull and uneven complexion over time.
Both studies underscore the importance of managing water temperature when caring for the skin, as prolonged exposure to hot water can cause long-term damage to the skin’s natural protective barrier.
What the Research Says: The Impact of Hot Water on Hair Health
Just as hot water can negatively affect the skin, its impact on hair health has also been a subject of increasing research. Exposure to high water temperatures can cause damage to the hair cuticle, disrupt moisture balance, and lead to increased hair fragility. Two studies shed light on how hot water can compromise the structure and appearance of hair, with implications for both hair texture and overall health.
The first study, published in International Journal of Trichology (2013), investigates the effects of water temperature on hair’s structural integrity, particularly focusing on the cuticle layer. This study found that exposure to hot water (above 40°C) causes the cuticle to lift, making the hair more porous and vulnerable to damage. The lifted cuticle allows moisture to escape more easily, contributing to dryness, breakage, and loss of shine. The research emphasizes that hot water not only weakens the hair shaft but can also lead to increased frizz and dullness over time.
A second study, published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2017), examines how different water temperatures affect hair hydration and elasticity. The study found that hot water significantly reduces the hair’s ability to retain moisture, leading to a loss of elasticity and increased brittleness. When the cuticle layer is compromised, hair becomes more prone to split ends, frizz, and general wear. Additionally, this research highlights that prolonged exposure to hot water can exacerbate issues for color-treated hair, causing premature fading and further damage.
Both studies underscore the importance of moderating water temperature when washing hair, as prolonged exposure to hot water can lead to long-term damage, affecting hair texture, moisture retention, and overall strength. These findings serve as a reminder to opt for lukewarm water for hair care routines, particularly for those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.
Essential Advice for Healthy Skin and Hair
For healthy skin and hair, limit hot showers to a treat and opt for lukewarm water for daily showers. Dermatologists suggest keeping showers to 5-10 minutes, using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, and skipping daily shampooing unless needed. Moisturize right after bathing with creams or ointments that contain hydrating ingredients like ceramides and glycerin.
