girl using Nivea Creme Care shower gel

Do you suffer from dry, itchy skin after showering

Read NIVEA’s advice on who is susceptible to itchy skin after showering, how to care for your irritated skin, and prevent the recurrence.

DRY, ITCHY SKIN AFTER SHOWERING?

Whether you are starting your day with a refreshing shower or relaxing after a long day the last thing you want after stepping out of the shower is itchy, irritated skin. Let's look into the causes of itchy skin and how we can prevent this from happening in the future.
Dry skin after shower

6 CAUSES OF IRRITATED SKIN AFTER A SHOWER

There are several reasons for those vexing itching feelings which we have to endure. Let's get under the skin of what is causing you to feel so itchy.

1. Hot showers

Many enjoy a hot, steamy shower and there is evidence this can relieve pain and stress levels, however, the hot water strips away natural oils in the skin. Natural oils protect the skin keeping it hydrated and supple, once removed our skin is more susceptible to dry, itchy skin often red in colour. 

2. Showering too often

Showering too often is not only bad for the environment but also can leave your skin dry and itchy. If you feel the need to shower daily then try and have a cold shower every other day so your skin isn’t dried out. Cold showers are known to temporarily tighten pores and reduce skin redness.

3. Dry skin or Xerosis

Those most susceptible to itchy skin are those who have dry skin when going into the shower and use harsh soaps that strip natural oils. If you continue this pattern and don’t take steps to hydrate when in and out of the shower then this could lead to a cracked and bleeding skin barrier.

4. Reaction to skincare products

Irritated skin may be the result of ingredients within your skincare products. If you have sensitive skin then we recommend choosing products that have the bare minimum to lessen the chance of aggravated skin.

5. Reaction to laundry products

The shower might not be the reason for your itchy skin but instead your towel once you have stepped out of the shower. You may be reacting to the fabric conditioner you use in your wash if highly fragranced. Instead, try a non-bio, sensitive detergent to see if your skin is less itchy.

6. Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause a very itchy feeling when you make contact with water. Aquagenic pruritus, for example, activates your nervous system when your skin makes contact with water; this is a rare condition, however. You should seek medical advice from your GP if you think that your itchy skin after a shower could be caused by a condition like this.

HOW TO GET RID OF ITCHY SKIN AFTER THE SHOWER?

two girls side by side

Your body parts most affected by itchiness post-shower will be your legs and feet as these parts of your body have lots of contact with the water. Here are our top tips on how to beat the itch and go back to feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after you’ve hit the shower:

Don’t scratch - easier said than done but try not to scratch the itch as this can cause more irritation as well as scarring and wounds.

Pat dry: rubbing the skin will also strip the skin of moisture and cause irritation. Instead, pat your skin dry as you do your face before applying a moisturiser.

Apply a deep moisturiser post-shower: to reequip your skin with the natural oils you lost during your body cleanse use a nourishing body moisturiser while your skin is still damp. The NIVEA Soft 300ml, infused with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E is fast absorbing, moisturising your whole body on a daily basis.

Soothe Itchy and Dry Skin after a Shower

NIVEA RICH NOURISHING BODY LOTION

Soothe dry skin after showering with NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, which provides 5-in-1 care. Enriched with Deep Moisture Serum, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E the non-greasy body lotion will care for your skin leaving it rejuvenated and smooth. 

HOW TO PREVENT ITCHY SKIN

woman using Nivea Creme Protect Shower Cream

Aftering experiencing the frustration that comes with dry, irritated skin you may want to know how to prevent this from recurring again the next time you hop out of the shower. NIVEA’s top tips for itchy skin prevention include:

Cooler and shorter showers - cooler showers reduce the stripping of natural oils, therefore, reducing the possibility of red skin after showering.

Choose a gentle soap - invest in a gentle soap or body wash such as the NIVEA Creme Protect Shower Cream, enriched with Vitamins C, E, and Natural Oils to prevent the skin from drying out. 

Avoid washcloths, rough sponges, or scrubs: using these will have the same impact as scratching your skin instead use your hands to apply body wash.

Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water so your body is hydrated and less likely to dry out while in the shower.

NIVEA CREME CARE SHOWER CREAM

The NIVEA Creme Care Shower Cream is a caring, cleansing formula that instantly smooths and moisturises your skin while in the shower. Perfect for every skin type the cream is enriched with Natural Oils, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to help prevent your skin from drying out. Simply apply to wet skin, lather into a foam, and wash off for a long-lasting healthy skin feel.