Actually, it’s quite common to feel itchy after a shower, and if you frequently dread hopping under the spray, don’t worry—there are a bunch of ways you can find relief. Below, six reasons for the itch and how to make sure your daily rinse stays soothing. And guess what? A strong skin barrier starts in the shower—at least for the neck down. That said, it’s worth paying attention to your shower habits. Sometimes, one or two of these is all it takes for itchy skin to creep up: “[Artificial fragrance] is one of the most common ingredients to cause sensitivity, puffiness, itch, and rash,” board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, once told us about hypoallergenic products, whereas parabens and other common preservatives have been linked to allergic reactions. However, we also recommend taking it a step further—look for cleansers that feature hydrating, balancing, barrier-supporting ingredients as well. “I also love seeing hand soaps that are enriched with soothing, hydrating ingredients like milk, aloe, honey, and oatmeal,” says Bowe. “Also, any ingredients that restore the barrier and help bring the pH back to the normal range—slightly acidic—are imperative. Our skin has an invisible layer called the ‘acid mantle,’ and we need to respect the pH of our skin to keep it healthy.” (Find our favorite moisturizing body washes here.) If you are partial to a warmer shower (they can help melt away stress, we understand), just make sure you don’t stay underneath the spray for too long so you don’t dry out your skin. You’ll also want to leave your skin a bit damp so the occlusives can really lock in that hydration. So don’t dry off right away! Rather, lightly pat dry with a towel so you’re not sopping wet, then slather on a body lotion, cream, or oil until you’re practically slick with moisture. You can even use a cold compress or ice globe massagers if you choose: The cool temperature breaks the incessant itch-scratch-itch cycle so you won’t tug or further irritate the skin.
