Surprising Shower Habits that are Making You Break Out

This article was first featured on People.com

 So Bad:

1. Taking long, super hot showers

“Doing this isn’t a great idea,” says NYC dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., since exposing your skin to super hot water for lengthy periods of time can strip skin of essential oil and can lead to inflammation. Why exactly is this so bad? When your skin is inflamed, it makes it more difficult to treat acne.

2. Using the same wash cloth all week (or even two washes in a row!)

Yes, you read that right; we said “two washes in a row.” Dr. Zeichner explains that reusing a wash cloth without cleaning it in between means you’re potentially putting mold and bacteria back onto your face. Ick. And the longer you go without cleansing the cloth, the more mold and bacteria will build up. Double ick.

3. Skipping moisturizer post-shower because you have oily skin

It sounds counter intuitive, but forgoing hydration because you’ve got oily skin only sets you up for an oilier (and more acne-prone) complexion. “Skin hydration is separate from oil,” Zeichner explains, adding that it’s possible to have shine, but still be lacking in hydration. And if your skin is dry (“Remember that some acne medications can dry out skin,” he says), it’s going to produce more oil and potentially break out more.

So Good:

Moisturizing right when you get out of the shower.

Women with oily complexions may not feel like they need it, but an oil-free moisturizer won’t clog pores and will help prevent breakouts for clear, even-looking skin.