Showering is more than just a way to cleanse; it’s essential to skincare and overall wellness. Although it can help you relax and relieve stress, some everyday shower habits could unknowingly be causing harm. Let’s explore a few shower mistakes you might be making without realizing it.
1. Hot Water Damage
Think twice before turning up the water temperature on your hair. Hot water can irritate the scalp, disrupt its moisture balance, and potentially lead to hair loss by weakening hair roots and follicles. When hair is wet, it’s more susceptible to damage, and hot water can exacerbate this vulnerability. The same caution applies to blow-drying—opt for a cool setting to maintain healthy hair.
2. Fertility Risks for Men
For men, extended exposure to hot water may also affect fertility. Sperm production thrives at cooler temperatures, and prolonged hot showers could negatively impact reproductive health. Research supports this: the Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine links elevated testicular temperatures with infertility issues. A study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that after men with fertility concerns switched to cooler showers, five out of eleven participants experienced a remarkable 491% increase in sperm count over a few months.
3. The Ideal Shower Routine
The optimal shower temperature is lukewarm—ideally below 40°C (104°F)—and showers should be limited to about 10 minutes. As a guideline, the water should feel pleasantly warm on your elbow. To retain moisture, apply lotion within three minutes of stepping out of the shower.
4. Avoid Washing Your Face in the Shower
Washing your face in the shower is not recommended, as the high-pressure water can harm the delicate skin on your face. Additionally, hot shower water strips away natural oils, disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier and potentially causing irritation and redness.
5. Skip Multitasking
Wash your face with lukewarm water in the sink for a gentler cleanse. Multitasking may be tempting, but brushing your teeth in the shower could expose you to bacteria in the shower water, so it’s best to keep these activities separate.
6. Beware of Bacteria in Showerheads
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) do not spread from person to person, yet they can reside in showerheads and potentially cause respiratory issues if inhaled. These bacteria are often found in natural water sources, household items like humidifiers, and certain medical equipment. The challenge lies in their ability to form biofilms—those slimy layers inside shower hoses—heightening the risk of exposure.
Showerheads provide an ideal environment for these bacteria, mainly when water sits idle between uses. To reduce risk, replacing your showerhead every six months and cleaning it thoroughly regularly is advisable. To deep-clean the showerhead, disassemble it as much as possible, soak all parts in a bleach solution, and scrub carefully.
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