I’m glad my dermatologist isn’t privy to my shower routine. At 45, there’s a lot I will do to keep my skin soft, smooth, and clear, but the idea of giving up very long, hot showers—ironically—gives me the chills. Alas, after chatting with top derms (mine excluded) about the best step-by-step shower routine for mature skin, I’ve accepted that it’s time to clean up my regimen.
Vogue’s Favorite Shower Products for Mature Skin
For starters, those with aging skin like me should put a time limit—and a temp limit—on their showers. “Hot water can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to cracking and flaking,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It’s best to shower in lukewarm water.”
In terms of time, shorter is better. According to Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgery Institute, spending five to 10 minutes in the shower is ideal. “Long, steamy showers are the silent saboteur of skin barrier integrity,” she says. How to spend that fleeting time? Ahead, dermatologists offer a step-by-step guide to emerging from the steamy bathroom with supple skin, and barrier intact.
Cleanse With Care
The best body washes for mature skin are simple, soothing to the skin barrier, and as cleanly formulated as possible. According to Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, those with aging skin should seek out cleansers designed to hydrate and support the skin barrier. “I tend to recommend a cream or oil-based cleanser over a gel, which can be alcohol-based and more drying,” she says. “I do recommend fragrance-free [options] for those who have more sensitive skin.”
On ingredient composition, Dr. Shokeen recommends looking for cleansers that contain glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter—including classic drugstore picks from Cetaphil and CeraVe. When it comes time to cleanse, dermatologists recommend holding off on scrubbing tools. “Washcloths and loofahs cause issues with bacterial growth,” Dr. Engelman says. “Using a bacteria-infested product would make you more prone to infections such as folliculitis. Using your hands is sufficient for cleansing.”