Few would think you can do such a simple thing as taking a shower incorrectly, yet in fact there are rules to keep your skin healthy.

Bright Side collected 5 typical mistakes we make when showering.

1. Overly hot water

Hot water makes the skin dry and flaky. It washes away too much skin fat, leaving it defenseless, and it increases blood flow, which often leads to erythema, inflammations, and rashes.

2. Washing for too long

Like hot water, lengthy bathing dries the skin too much, resulting in rashes and itching. The optimal duration of a shower is about 10 minutes.

3. Frequent use of foamy gels and body washes

The more lather there is the more superficially active substances there are in a shower gel. This means it’s depleting your natural protective oil layer, leading to dryness and roughness of skin. In addition, if antibacterial washing agents aren’t specifically prescribed to you, there’s no need to use them daily.

4. Using old and wet sponges

Wet sponges and loofahs are perfect for bacteria and mold growth, so it’s better to change them once every 4 weeks. Try using a terrycloth mitten or a towel instead.

It’s also important to dry the sponge after use.

5. Overly enthusiastic drying

Dry your body with a soft towel, leaving it a bit moist. Then use your favorite cream, and your skin will remain smooth and healthy!