My skin is extremely dry all year round, but once the temperatures drop we get into desert-like dryness. So I apply body lotion religiously, but sometimes it takes me longer than others to apply it. I know I’m not the only one who gets a little distracted after a shower, especially on those work-from-home days. I’m the morning shower person on the team, so at least a few times a week I find myself sitting in a deep hole in my bathrobe, checking email, before it occurs to me that I should probably moisturize and maybe get dressed today. As it turns out, this is a bad habit that I will work hard to break in the new year. Why? Doctors recommend applying moisturizer within three minutes of showering.
What is the 3-minute shower rule?
Some water conservationists recommend limiting showers to three minutes to minimize waste, but that’s not the advice we’re going to address today. Instead, we’re taking a deep dive into the three-minute shower rule that’s been popping up all over social media. If it’s not already in your feed (it will be now), moisturizing within three minutes of showering is crucial for skin health.
Do doctors recommend the 3-minute shower rule?
The three-minute shower rule isn’t just a passing trend on TikTok. On the contrary, all the doctors I spoke to agreed that it had its merits. “Applying moisturizer within three minutes of showering rather than soaking your skin is really beneficial,” says Dr. Asim Nazir Cheema, a board-certified internist and cardiologist in Ontario, Canada.
He is not alone. Dr. Eric Tepper, a family medicine physician in Sacramento, Calif., adds that applying body lotion immediately helps lock in moisture, rather than waiting until your skin dries out. “Using a moisturizer on damp skin can keep the skin hydrated more effectively,” he points out.
Why do doctors recommend the 3-minute shower rule?
Dry, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but that’s not all. Dry skin is also prone to skin damage, says Dr. Michael Chichak, a general practitioner in Ohio. Fortunately, applying moisturizer at the right time can help.
To understand why, Dr. Samantha Schneider, a dermatologist in Carson City, Nevada, explains it this way: “Our skin loses moisture after showering. Moisturizers used immediately after showering while the skin is still damp are most successful at replenishing moisture. The humectants in many moisturizers work by attracting and holding moisture. When skin is already moist from showering, more water enters the skin, resulting in better, deeper hydration.” Moisturization. “
Cheema adds that moist skin is more permeable, which allows moisturizers to better “lock moisture in the outer layer.” This means less dryness and less chance of all the negative side effects caused by moisture loss.
Which body lotions are best for the 3-minute shower rule?
Yahoo senior beauty editor Jennifer Romolini made full-on hydration her full-time job while searching for the best body lotion. These are her top picks, all under $20.
Amazon
“This giant silky cream is the most impressive product I’ve found for quickly moisturizing dry skin,” raves Romolini. After testing countless formulas, this one ticked all the boxes. “It’s lightweight, cool to the touch, and really sinks in and softens the dry skin on my arms and legs without leaving a trace of residue. The best part is its fast-absorbing texture, which makes me look forward to moisturizing after the shower and before bed.”
Amazon $10
Amazon
There’s a reason Romolini and countless dermatologists recommend Vanicream: It works. It’s especially suitable for people with sensitive skin because it doesn’t clog pores and doesn’t contain common irritants like dyes, fragrances, plant extracts and even essential oils. “Compared to other sensitive skin moisturizers with more fancy ingredients and packaging, Vanicream doesn’t seem to Equally charming, but a lifesaver when your skin is tight and inflamed,” Romolini writes.
Amazon $14
Amazon
People who want smoother and firmer skin should definitely try this drugstore gem before spending a lot of money on high-end products. Romolini tested it over the summer and found that with regular use, wrinkles on the skin of her upper arms and knees improved significantly.
“There are a lot of pricier brands out there that promise to soothe and smooth the texture of aging skin, but from my experience—and for my money—this one is a real winner,” she shares.
Amazon $11
Amazon
Scented lotions aren’t for everyone, but if you like a little something extra when applying your moisturizer, this Native formula is for you. It’s made with botanical moisturizers and is dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types.
There are currently 10 varieties available, and according to Romolini, “the scent is rich but not overpowering, and the cream itself is smooth and leaves your skin with a velvety glow.”
Amazon $14
