Feeling Itchy After A Shower? 6 Reasons Why + Expert Tips To Remedy It

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. 

Hot water also has the ability to strip the natural oils and lipids from your skin—and when you compromise that lipid barrier (which makes up about 50% of your epidermis), your skin barrier isn't too far behind. Plus, "Hot water evaporates faster," says board-certified dermatologist Purshiva Patel, M.D., founder of Visha Skincare, which means unless you moisturize right after (which we'll discuss in a moment), it'll leave your skin even drier than it was before.

There's also something to be said about the length of your shower, especially if you are partial to a steamy spray. Read: The longer you expose your skin to hot water, the more it'll strip your skin. And if you live in an area of hard water? Well, it's the perfect storm: "Hard water can be super drying, and frequently exposing your skin (especially if it's already prone to dryness) can make those conditions worse," Ciraldo says regarding shower schedules. 

This may come as a surprise, but you might not need to shower every single day! Of course, it depends on your environment and lifestyle habits (jump over here to learn more), but board-certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, M.D., FAAD, says a daily scrub-down might not be necessary—if your skin feels dry or itchy, you might want to edit your showering schedule, or perhaps skip the soap on less sweaty days. 

For some, it's more about the toweling-off than the shower itself, depending on which laundry detergent you use. Again, traditional cleansing agents can contain harsh surfactants (great for lifting stubborn grease stains; potentially not so great for sensitive skin), as well as other irritating ingredients: "Those ingredients—detergents, preservatives, strong fragrances—can cause dermatitis in sensitive skin," says board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn. 

Due to its drying nature, water is a common trigger for sensitive skin conditions. According to the National Eczema Association, "Too much contact with water or improper bathing can actually cause irritation. Especially if you repeatedly get your skin wet without moisturizing it immediately afterward." So if your itchy skin isn't going away, you might want to see a dermatologist to help identify the issue. 

You don't have to completely upend your shower-time routine, but perhaps give one or two of these tips a try. Quick note: Everyone's skin microbiome is unique, so there isn't one magic answer for relieving the itch—find what works for you with the advice below, and if the dryness and itch subside, well, consider your shower skin-barrier-supportive: 

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. 

If your itchy skin remains chronic or you're facing severe irritation, you might want to give your dermatologist a ring, just to make sure you're not experiencing an underlying condition or allergic reaction. Leave it to the professionals, who can help get to the root of the issue and find more targeted treatments for relief. 

Feeling itchy after a shower is quite common—it essentially means you have a compromised skin barrier. It's nothing to beat yourself up about, and in most cases, you can find relief with a few simple tweaks. Remember to keep your shower time to a minimum, rinse under warm (not hot!) water, use gentle body washes and moisturize right after. This way, your skin can stay clean without losing any moisture. If you're on the hunt for a hydrating body lotion, check out what experts look for in their go-to body products.