Many people face issues like dry, itchy skin and even rashes after bathing in winter. Overly hot baths can also cause chest discomfort. Here’s what to watch out for when bathing during winter:

Four Bathing Practices to Avoid in Winter

  1. Bathing Too Frequently
    Frequent baths strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Recommended Frequency:

  • Northern regions: 1-2 times per week.
  • Southern regions or active individuals: Every other day.
  • Elderly, especially those with dry skin: Every 2-3 weeks.
  1. Bathing Too Long
    Spending excessive time in a warm, enclosed bathroom can lead to shortness of breath and damage the protective lipid layer of the skin.

Recommended Duration:

  • Shower: 5-10 minutes.
  • Bath: No longer than 20 minutes.
  1. Using Very Hot Water
    Hot water can cause blood vessels to dilate, potentially reducing blood supply to the brain and heart, which may lead to serious conditions in individuals with underlying diseases.

Ideal Water Temperature: Around 37–38°C (similar to body temperature), not exceeding 40°C.

  1. Scrubbing Too Hard
    Aggressive scrubbing can damage the skin barrier, making it dry, itchy, and prone to infections.

Advice:

  • Healthy skin: Scrub every 2-4 weeks.
  • Avoid abrasive tools like rough washcloths; opt for soft towels instead.

Four Situations to Avoid Bathing

  1. When Running a High Fever
    Bathing during a fever can exacerbate symptoms by dilating blood vessels and increasing heart rate, leading to fatigue or dizziness.
  2. Right After Eating or on an Empty Stomach
    Bathing immediately after eating diverts blood away from digestion, causing indigestion or fainting. Wait at least an hour after meals.
  3. After Drinking Alcohol
    Alcohol affects liver function and blood sugar levels. Bathing after drinking can cause dizziness, weakness, or hypoglycemia.
  4. When Overly Tired or Exhausted
    After intense physical or mental activity, bathing can overburden the cardiovascular system or reduce blood flow to the brain, causing fainting.

Morning vs. Night Showers: What’s Better?

The debate over “morning showers destroying energy” and “night showers increasing dampness” lacks solid evidence. The key is to maintain warmth and dry the body thoroughly, including between toes.

Morning showers: Avoid cold water if prone to chills.

Night showers: Don’t shower immediately before bed, as it may delay sleep.

Winter Bathing Tips

  1. Limit bath frequency and scrubbing, especially in winter.
  2. Keep showers brief (5-10 minutes) and baths under 20 minutes with water temperatures below 40°C.
  3. Thoroughly dry your body and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.
  4. Avoid bathing when feverish, on an empty stomach, after drinking alcohol, or while overly fatigued.