People can spend fortunes on skin care products while overlooking the number one cause of skin irritation, heat. But the good news is, this source of skin damage is almost completely avoidable.
Especially in the dead of winter, heat feels good. We all know the skin feels great when we get out of a hot shower, or a sauna, or a Jacuzzi. The problem is, hot water burns skin and cold water shocks it. Either hot or cold can leave skin itchy, irritated, and dry.
Dry heat is obviously dehydrating. Whether it's the dehydrating heat of a summer afternoon in the desert, or just a blast of hot air from the furnace, dry heat pulls water straight away from the skin. No matter what you skin type, dry heat is bad for skin health.
Wet heat is a little more deceptive. After soaking, skin cells become engorged with water. If your fingers are all swollen and wrinkly, water has found its way inside. If that water is hot, it can burn the skin, even though you don't have a burning sensation.
How hot is too hot? Generally speaking, if water is hot to the touch, it's too hot for the skin. Unfortunately, if water feels good, it's bad for your skin's health. Either temperature extreme twists and distorts skin cells, pulls moisture out of the healthy layers, and causes capillaries to find their way to the surface.
To keep your skin healthy, always wash with tepid water. Never soak too long. And be careful you do not remove protective calluses from injured skin. Let your skin heal on its own for quickest recovery for injury.
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