Why you’re showering all wrong: The nine biggest mistakes

i Paper · Expert comment · 19 April 2025

In April 2025 the i Paper listed nine common showering mistakes, from water temperature to loofah hygiene, with advice from Dr Ed among other experts.

What Dr Ed said

Dr Ed said the water should be as close to body temperature as possible.

“Any hotter and you risk causing damage to the skin”

Quoted exactly as published by i Paper on 19 April 2025.

He mentioned growing interest in finishing with a burst of cold water for circulation and mood. He advised washing hair last so products do not run down the face, and noted that toothpaste can irritate the skin around the mouth and contribute to perioral dermatitis, so it is best to brush teeth before washing the face.

Clinical context

Very hot water strips natural oils from the skin and can worsen dryness, eczema and redness. Lukewarm showers, a gentle cleanser and moisturising soon afterwards help protect the skin barrier. Perioral dermatitis is a red, bumpy rash around the mouth that can be triggered by heavy creams, steroid creams or some toothpastes, and it often settles once the trigger is removed. Read our face cleansing tips and guide to rosacea and redness.

Questions patients ask

Read the original

Read the full article on i Paper

Related treatments and advice

• Face cleansing tips
• Rosacea and redness
• Acne

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