We usually take a shower to keep ourselves clean and our skin clear. It is one of the ways we freshen ourselves up. But what if you found out that your showering habits were actually causing acne? Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Madhumita Bhattacharya, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Kolkata, discusses some of the common showering mistakes people often make that lead to skin breakouts.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a medical condition wherein dirt, dead skin cells, an oil called sebum, or bacteria clogs the skin pores causing certain breakouts like red bumps (pimples), whiteheads or blackheads on the skin, which can be painful and annoying, says Dr Bhattacharya.
While overproduction of sebum and clogged pores are the primary reasons behind skin acne, factors like hormonal changes, genetics, and certain medications can also contribute to it.
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According to the doctor, acne is seen most commonly on the face, but it can take place anywhere on the body like, back, shoulders, neck, butts or even chest.
Back acne, a common form of body acne, specifically refers to the nodules which appear on the back when sweat gets trapped under the clothing often due to strenuous physical activity, she explains.
Can Showering Cause Skin Acne?
Bathing or showering itself does not directly cause acne, but the way you shower and the products you use can contribute to its development.
Dr Bhattacharya says, "Although lack of proper cleaning and hygiene are the foremost reasons of acne, yet medical reports have proved that few common and unnoticed bathing mistakes can also lead to body or back acne."
For instance, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, which might lead to increased oil production to compensate, potentially causing acne.
Additionally, use of harsh or overly fragranced soaps, shampoos, or conditioners can also irritate the skin and lead to acne for some individuals.
It is crucial to maintain a balanced and gentle skincare routine, using mild cleansers and avoiding excessive scrubbing to reduce the risk of aggravating acne-prone skin.
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Common Showering Mistakes To Avoid
Some of the common bathing mistakes that lead to acne development include:
- Not showering soon enough after rigorous physical activity
- Not rinsing shampoo or conditioner which leads the chemicals to clog the skin pores
- Washing your body before washing your hair
- Not using oil control shampoo/moisturiser for excess oily skin
- Not using anti-dandruff shampoo to avoid dandruff flakes falling on the body, increasing the risk of body acne
- Over oiling of the body, scalp or face and not washing off hair oil after 1-1.5 hrs with recommended shampoo
- Not showering with lukewarm water
- Bathing with hard water (excess metal in the water)
- Reusing the same towel for a long time and using loofah may also be the reason of acne
- Over exfoliation may also lead to breakouts in the skin
While taking regular baths is a great way to reduce excess skin oil production and acne development, showering appropriately can also help lower the risk. According to Dr Bhattarcharya, showering effectively and in the right way is the most important thing to keep in mind while treating or even avoiding a skin issue like acne.
