Taking a bath every day seems so basic, right? It’s nothing new, and it’s an activity that requires the least effort or thought. All one needs is a steady supply of fresh water, some soap, a quality loofa, and time on hand. But surprisingly, many people unknowingly develop habits while bathing that can cause the skin to lose its natural shine and cause more harm. Bathing too long and using the wrong soap are just a few to name among the following bathing mistakes.

Taking extreme hot water showers
Hot water may work as an effective disinfectant, especially when used with a quality antibacterial soap. But bathing in super-hot water also strips the skin of essential lipids that lock in the oil and prevent cells from drying out. Therefore, it is advisable to mix hot and cold water to arrive at a tolerable temperature.

Using a soap without moisturizer
Water and soap mix to form a lather that helps clean out dead skin and dirt off the surface. But at the same time, this lather also sucks out the natural moisture. Using just soap is never enough. It’s better to switch to a moisturizing soap that helps lock in the natural oils and prevents the skin from drying out.

Waiting to apply lotion
The best time to apply a good skin hydrating lotion or moisturizer is right after taking a bath when the skin is still mildly damp. Damp skin allows the moisturizer to soak in effectively and quickly preventing the skin from drying out.

Showering too often
It is a good habit to maintain general hygiene and take a bath regularly. But many experts agree that showering or taking a full body immersive bath daily robs the skin of its natural moisture and oils. The dry skin can result in microscopic cracks that allow the bacteria to enter and trigger a skin infection. It is generally recommended to shower a few times every week.

Not cleaning the loofa regularly
A loofa is effective in scrubbing off dead cells and dirt off the skin’s surface. But not cleaning the loofa after every wash can make the product a breeding ground for germs and microscopic parasites. The loofa must be washed after a shower to remove leftover residue. It is recommended to replace the plastic loofa every 3 to 4 months.

Washing the hair often
It is not necessary to wash your hair every single day. The roots and scalp also maintain a natural layer of moisture to keep the hair follicles hydrated. Excessive hair washing scrubs off this protective layer exposing delicate hair follicles to harsh soap lather and hot water. This increases the frequency of hair fall. Using a proper conditioner to hydrate the hair after a thorough wash is also important. Conditioners help lock in all the natural goodness of oils produced by the body.

Not using a clean towel
The towel absorbs everything off the surface of the skin, including dead cells, soap, and water. Drying a towel only allows the water to evaporate, but all the funk and gunk are left behind deep into the fabric. Not washing the towel frequently makes it a breeding ground for common bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the towel once every week and use it interchangeably with a spare. During summer, in extremely humid conditions, it is better to wash the towel every few days to ensure its clean.