Dry, itchy skin? You might be overdoing the showers

‘Showering once a day is enough for most people. Two showers is over the top, I think.

‘Obviously if you get dirty or become particularly sweaty you should wash this off, but in general I advise sticking to once a day for most adults.’

That epidermal barrier Dr Manuraf mentions is important. It’s the first line of defence for your skin, helping to limit water loss and prevent dryness.

The skin can already struggle in winter thanks to colder temperatures, itchier and heavier fabrics, and central heating, but when you ramp up the showers, you make it even tougher for the skin to cope.

‘Central heating takes moisture away from the skin so during the colder months people can definitely find their skin drying out more,’ Dr Manuraf notes.

‘People with pre-existing dry skin and inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema may also find they get worse during the winter.

‘We also tend to go outside less during colder months so we don’t get as many UV rays, which are naturally anti-inflammatory.

‘Obviously we don’t want too many UV rays because they damage your DNA over a period of time which can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer, but sensible exposure to sunshine while wearing appropriate clothing and sun cream is okay.’

The key to caring for the skin in winter is not to wash it more, but prioritise locking in moisture.

Cut back to your usual daily shower, rather than topping up with hot water in the day, avoid overly perfumed products, and up your moisturisers, advises Dr Singh.

‘It’s really important, especially for older people, to regularly moisturise,’ he adds. ‘Skin can easily dry out enough to exacerbate epidermal barrier break down.

‘When washing and showering use products that are not overly perfumed. You might want to opt for ranges that are less scented and moisturise regularly at the same time.’

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