Why Hot Baths in Winter Can Harm Your Skin
By: Shahara Lum
As winter arrives, the temptation of a hot bath is hard to resist. Soaking in warm water can feel like the perfect way to warm up from the cold. However, while hot baths can be relaxing, they might not be great for your skin during winter. Frequent hot baths can actually cause skin issues such as damage, dryness, and irritation in the long run.
Hot Water Strips Natural Oils
The skin has a natural protective layer called the lipid layer, which helps keep moisture in and prevents dryness. However, hot water can wash away these important oils, leaving the skin dry and exposed. During winter, the air tends to be drier because of lower humidity and indoor heating, which further increases the likelihood of moisture loss from the skin. If you spend a lot of time in hot water, this can make the situation worse, leading to skin that feels tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. [1]
Exacerbates Dryness, Flakiness, Itchiness
During the colder months, many people experience dry skin, even those who usually don’t have this issue. Taking hot baths can make the problem worse by stripping away the skin’s natural oils, which help keep it hydrated. This can result in dry, flaky skin and even painful cracks. For individuals with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, hot baths can worsen their symptoms and lead to more frequent flare-ups, making it more challenging to manage their skin health. [2]
Hot water can feel nice at first, but it may lead to skin irritation later. It increases blood flow to the skin, which can activate nerve endings and cause a condition called “winter itch.” This can result in itchy, red, and inflamed skin, making it uncomfortable.
Weakens the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is essential for protecting us from environmental factors, irritants, and bacteria. However, frequent hot baths can weaken this barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to damage. In winter, when the cold air outside and heating indoors can already stress the skin, this weakening can lead to issues like redness, sensitivity, and a higher risk of infections.
Creates a Cycle of Overcompensation
Taking hot baths can have an unexpected impact on your skin’s natural oil production. When we expose our skin to high temperatures, it can lose its natural oils. In response, the skin may produce more oil (sebum) to compensate. This is especially problematic for those with combination or oily skin types, as the excess oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts, even in winter when skin typically gets drier. This cycle of losing oils and then overproducing can make it tough to keep your skincare routine effective. [1]
Potential for Long-Term Damage
Frequent exposure to hot water in winter can harm your skin over time. When your skin gets too dry, it can lose its bounce and start showing fine lines and wrinkles sooner than usual. This dehydration reduces the skin’s ability to bounce back from everyday stress, like pollution and weather changes, which can make it look dull and older.
Hot Baths Can Worsen Circulatory Issues
Although hot baths aren’t specifically tied to skin issues, they can worsen circulatory problems, which might impact skin health. For instance, people with rosacea, a condition that causes facial redness, may notice that hot water makes their blood vessels expand, leading to increased redness and flushing. Moreover, hot water can disrupt blood circulation, resulting in uneven skin tone, like patches of redness or paleness that make irritation more noticeable. [3]
Dry Air Compounds the Problem
Winter often brings dry indoor air due to heating systems that reduce humidity. This dryness, combined with hot baths, can lead to very dry skin. When skin loses moisture, it struggles to heal properly, making it more vulnerable to cracks, infections, and discomfort.
Some Tips for Healthier Bathing Habits in Winter
While hot baths may not be ideal during winter, you don’t have to give up warm baths entirely. Here are some tips to make bathing a skin-friendly activity:
1. Use Lukewarm Water Instead of Hot
Opt for lukewarm water, which is much gentler on the skin. It won’t strip away oils or damage the skin barrier, and it can still feel pleasantly warm during colder months.
2. Limit Bathing Time
Keep baths and showers short — around 5–10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to water, even lukewarm, can contribute to dryness.
3. Apply Moisturizer Immediately After
After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This locks in moisture and helps restore the lipid barrier.
4. Use Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers
Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that strip the skin. Instead, choose products with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin.
5. Add Bath Oils or Oatmeal
If you do take baths, consider adding a few drops of bath oil or a colloidal oatmeal soak to help soothe and moisturize the skin while you bathe.
6. Invest in a Humidifier
Combat dry indoor air by using a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%). This prevents further dehydration of the skin.
7. Avoid Rubbing Skin Too Harshly
Use a soft towel and avoid aggressive rubbing, which can irritate already-sensitive winter skin.
Alternatives to Hot Baths for Winter Comfort
If the main appeal of a hot bath is relaxation, there are other ways to achieve the same effect without harming your skin:
• Warm Drinks: Sip on herbal teas or hot cocoa to warm up from the inside out.
• Cozy Layers: Invest in comfortable and insulating clothing, like fleece or wool, to stay warm without drying out your skin.
• Heated Blankets: Wrap yourself in a heated blanket or use a heating pad for targeted warmth.
Works Cited:
[2] https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/skin-care-shower-warning-dry-skin
[3] https://www.cocoandeve.com/blogs/news/how-hot-winter-showers-can-damage-your-skin-and-hair
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