Experts reveal: There’s a reason you shouldn’t shower for longer than 15 minutes

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Did you know that showering for longer than 15 minutes is not only harmful to the planet but can also damage your skin? This article shows how our daily showering behaviour affects the environment and skin health.

Aside from the hygienic aspect, the shower is a moment of true relaxation for many. Many of us spend long minutes in the shower, harming our skin. In this article, we tell you more about how long you should shower and how long you shouldn’t exceed.

Effects on the skin: what dermatologists say
Excessive showering can have harmful effects on our bodies and organisms. American dermatologist Brandon Mitchell says, “Most people wash too much and for too long.”.

In short, showering for too long strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to skin irritation and lesions that make it easier for bacteria to enter the body. In other words, spending too long in the shower disrupts the skin’s natural defence mechanisms. For this reason, experts recommend a maximum shower time of 15 minutes.

In an article in the media magazine Eat This, expert Anna Chacon explains that there is a higher risk of skin infections if you shower for longer than 15 minutes:

‘I think a good amount of time in the shower is between 5 and 15 minutes. That’s just enough time to rinse, wash and condition your hair and rub soap on your body. Longer than 15 minutes can be too much – wrinkled hands also indicate too long a shower. Or if you notice that the water is getting cold, it’s time to stop.
How to best protect your skin in the shower
There are a few tips on limiting the problems caused by showering too long. Firstly, avoid showering too hot. Although this is very pleasant, it can dry out the skin and even increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Afterwards, you can use a moisturising bath additive or a simple moisturiser to protect your skin from drying out.

Last but not least, fitting a showerhead with an anti-limescale filter can also be helpful. Limescale is known to be quite aggressive for the skin, so the filter helps reduce the water’s concentration.