You’ve probably been taking baths since you were a baby. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing it correctly. While a bath can serve as a relaxing self-care treatment, dermatologists say there is, in fact, a right way to do it to ensure a better clean and a stronger skin barrier. From the optimal water temperature to the ideal time you should spend soaking, Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, reveals exactly what you need to know to keep your skin—and your soul—soothed.
- Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine
Is There a Right Way to Take a Bath?
“Yes!” Gohara says. “Think of bathing like running the dishwasher instead of soaking dishes in the sink—you want movement, not stagnation. That means ideally rinsing off before getting in to remove some dirt and oil, keeping the water clean, and not turning your soak into a stew of sweat, soap, and shampoo.” So you can still light your candles, pour yourself a glass of wine, and have your book ready, just do a quick rinse first to prevent the stew sitch.
How Hot Should the Water Be?
“Aim for water that’s warm; not hot,” Gohara advises. “100 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. If the temperature is too hot, it can strip skin of its natural oils, spike inflammation, and trigger flares for skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.”
How Long Should You Soak?
“Keep it under 15 minutes,” Gohara recommends. “You want it to be long enough to relax but short enough to protect your skin barrier. If your skin looks prune-y, you stayed in too long. “While the wrinkles will fade, this is a sign of dehydration.”
How Often Should You Take a Bath?
“Daily soaks can dry you out—especially in the winter,” she explains. “A few times a week is a sweet spot for most skin types, unless you have a specific skin condition that says otherwise.”
What’s the Best Order of Operations?
Gohara says the order in which you take a bath matters. “It’s better to soak first, then wash your body at the end using a gentle cleanser. Otherwise, you’re marinating in your own suds, which results in less spa and more skin saboteur.”
Can You Shave in the Tub?
“Shaving in the tub is not ideal,” says Gohara. “Warm water softens hairs, sure, but tub water also dulls razors fast and increases your risk of nicking and folliculitis. If you must shave in the tub, do it at the end and rinse well.”
Who Should Avoid Baths?
People with eczema, psoriasis, or very sensitive skin should tread lightly, she warns. “Baths can soothe your skin, but they can also strip it. If you’re flaring up, skip a long soak in bubbles and stick to a quick, lukewarm soak—with added colloidal oatmeal—instead.
What Products Should You Use?
“Bath bombs and bath salts may be calming for the brain and great for mindfulness … but they can also be irritating down below,” Gohara explains. “The vagina isn’t a fan of fragrance or harsh pH shifts, and some get butt breakouts. Use these kinds of products with caution and make sure to rinse well after the bath.”
A better cleansing option? Look for a formula that says “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free” on the package. These are hints that the formula probably contains fewer, less-likely-to-irritate ingredients. Also, steer clear of antibacterial body washes since they can be harsh on the skin and cause dryness and irritation.
Splish splash—now go take a warm (not hot), relaxing bath.
