Is There a Right Way to Bathe?
"Yes!" says Gohara. "Think of bathing like a dishwasher, not like soaking dirty dishes in the sink. Movement is needed, not stagnation. This means ideally you should rinse yourself before bathing to remove dirt and oil, so you can keep the water clean and not turn your bath into a mix of sweat, soap, and shampoo." So you can still light your candles, pour a glass of wine, and bring your book, just add a quick rinse beforehand.
How Hot Should the Water Be?
"The water should be lukewarm, not hot," advises Gohara. "About 37–38°C is perfect. If the water is too hot, it can strip your skin's natural oils, increase inflammation, and worsen skin conditions like eczema or rosacea."
How Long Should You Soak?
"Limit soaking to 15 minutes," suggests Gohara. "Long enough to relax, but short enough to protect your skin's barrier. If your skin looks wrinkled, you've been in the water too long. Although the wrinkles disappear after a few minutes, they signal dehydration."
Is It Okay to Shave in the Tub?
"Shaving in the tub is not ideal," says Gohara. "Warm water softens hair, but the water in the tub quickly dulls the razor blade and increases the risk of cuts and folliculitis. If you do shave in the tub, do it at the end of your bath and rinse the razor thoroughly."
The Proper Order: Soaking, Then Gentle Cleansing
If you try to lather your shower gel directly in the bathwater, your skin doesn't actually get clean; instead, the water becomes soapy, and your skin soaks in water saturated with soap residue rather than being washed on a clean surface. This is not true wellness, but rather drying and irritating, as the shower gel dissolved in water softens the skin further and then meets the already cleansed skin with another surfactant. The order should be as follows:
1. Pre-rinse
Under the shower or with your hands, wet your body and wash off surface dirt, dust, and sweat. This way, the soap you apply afterward can work on cleaner water and a fresh surface.
2. Soaking (in the bath)
Sit in the tub and relax for up to 10–15 minutes in lukewarm water, optionally supplemented with a gentle bath salt or oil. This helps soften your skin without letting it dry out.
3. Cleansing at the End
At the end of your bath, use a gentle, moisturizing cream shower gel or soap. Preferably sulfate-free and fragrance-free to avoid irritating your skin. Wash your body with gentle, stroking motions and avoid excessive rubbing!
4. Thorough Rinse
Make sure all soap or shower gel residue is rinsed off your skin, as leftover residue can cause irritation for days.
5. Shaving in the Tub
A dilemma known to both women and men: "If I'm already in warm water, why not shave here?" Warm water does soften hair, but the water in the tub quickly dulls the razor blade, requiring more strokes on your skin, which can lead to cuts and folliculitis. If possible, shave after showering in a drier environment or under a standing shower designed for shaving. If you stay by the tub, wait until your bath is over, use a shaving foam made for this purpose, shave quickly, and rinse the razor thoroughly after use.
6. Post-Bath Steps
As soon as you step out of the bath, environmental factors are ready to attack. Air temperature, wind, and dry air from heated homes all dry your skin. It’s good practice to moisturize with cream or body lotion within a few minutes after drying off. Choose one that is fragrance-free and contains deeply hydrating ingredients (e.g., ceramides, hyaluronic acid, plant oils rich in fatty acids).
Bathing is not merely mechanical cleansing, but an opportunity to escape stress, refresh yourself, and care for yourself. However, if you neglect the details, your skin can easily lose valuable moisture and develop various problems. Dermatologist Mona Gohara’s recommendations show that effective bathing depends not only on your shower gel and scented candles but also on small things like water temperature, pre-rinsing, and when you shave in the bath. By following these simple steps, not only will your skin thank you, but your soul will also calm down as you take a break from the hectic world.
