Guide To Showering & Bathing With Sensitive Skin | More Ability

Published: 19 January 2017

Sensitive skin can put a real dampener on your showering and bathing routine. No bubbles. No bath bombs. No invigorating shower gels or soaps and that’s because it is these three things (and many more products beside) that can irritate skin and cause bathing to become a nightmare of a task.

We’re here to tell you that regardless of any of that we firmly believe everyone has a right to bathe with enjoyment and in comfort.

There is a misconception that frequent bathing and showering can strip what moisture and natural oil your skin might have leaving it feeling tight, dry and irritable. There is some truth in this however it is typically the products you use and not the task at hand that can further irritate already dry and sensitive skin.

With this in mind the aim of this helpful article is to prove that even with sensitive skin bathing can be enjoyed. So if you suffer from dry / sensitive skin we encourage you to keep reading as we highlight the common skin conditions that can raise concern when bathing, how each of the mentioned conditions can be improved and soothed with regards to bathing and conclude with general do’s and don’ts when bathing with sensitive skin.

Let’s begin…

Typically this article is here to help and advice those who may suffer from, but not limited to, any of the following dry / sensitive / medical conditions:

• Eczema including Contact Dermatitis, Atopic, Discoid and Varicose
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Erysipelas
• Lupus
• Ichthyosis

Although different in appearance, diagnostic and medical prescription / treatment each can be eased with regards to bathing following the below do’s and don’ts.

Temperature & Frequency

Contrary to popular belief regularly bathing can actually soothe the skin however it is essential the water, whether bath or shower is not too hot. Principally if the room is steaming up the water is far too warm which can cause the skin to become inflamed and irritable.

Products

Did you know that within the beauty and cosmetic industry the term ‘fragrance’ is used to blanket cover over 3,000 chemicals? No neither did we before this article and we’re still quite taken aback by such a staggering figure. So in order to avoid an inflamed or irritable reaction we cannot stress enough how important it is to take a wide berth on products that contain fragrances, SLS extracts, alcohol, dyes, detergents and preservatives.

Whether purchased in the form of bar soap or a liquid / gel body wash we encourage you to opt for natural based products that contain moisturising and mild exfoliating properties. Things like Epsom salts, tea tree oils and almond oils can be added when bathing and chamomile, honey, oatmeal, coco butter, Aloe Vera and cetaphil (a dermatologist favourite) when washing.

Technique

When washing, regardless of skin condition and chosen cosmetic products it is important to be gentle. Avoid exfoliating mittens, loofahs and pumice stones at all costs, for many they are simply too harsh on the skin and its properties. Instead use your hands to lather soap / gentle and apply gently using a circular motion and ensure all residue has been rinsed off the body before exiting.

Once showered or bathed ensure you dry robustly in the same gentle manner and moisturise thoroughly avoiding the same alcohol and fragrance fuelled products – perhaps a medically approved / recommended cream or serum would be advisable here as they can often be condition specific.

MoreAbility, part of the Passmore Group, is Yorkshires leading and most experienced bath & shower room specialist for all types of stylish, safe & practical and bespoke solutions. Offering a fully project managed design & installation service we pride ourselves on meeting individual wants, needs and aspirational requirements for both the public & private sector.

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