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Do you suffer from dry, itchy skin
after showering

Read NIVEA's advice on who is susceptible to itchy skin after showering, how to care for your irritated skin, and prevent the recurrence.

Read Time

7 min

In short:

Dry, itchy skin after showering?
6 causes of irritated skin after a shower
How to get rid of itchy skin after the shower?
NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion
How to prevent itchy skin
NIVEA Creme Care Shower Cream

Dry, itchy skin
AFTER SHOWERING?

Whether you are starting your day with a refreshing shower or relaxing after a long day, the last thing you want after stepping out of the shower is itchy, irritated skin. Let's look into the causes of itchy skin after showering and how you can prevent this from happening in the future.

Dry skin after shower

6 causes of irritated skin
AFTER A SHOWER

There are several reasons for those vexing itchy feelings you experience after a shower. Let's get under the skin of what is causing you to feel so itchy.

Woman washing her shoulder with foamy body wash in a shower, shown in close-up from the side

1. Hot showers

Many people enjoy a hot, steamy shower and there is evidence this can relieve pain and stress levels. However, the hot water strips away natural oils in the skin. Natural oils protect the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple; once removed, your skin is more susceptible to dry, itchy skin that is often red in colour.

Woman with wet dark hair wearing a white bathrobe and resting one hand at her neck in a marble-tiled bathroom

2. Showering too often

Showering too often is not only bad for the environment but it can also leave your skin dry and itchy. If you feel the need to shower daily, try having a cold shower every other day so your skin isn't dried out. Cold showers are known to temporarily tighten pores and reduce skin redness.

Shirtless man washing his shoulder and chest with a natural sponge and foaming body wash

3. Dry skin or xerosis

Those most susceptible to itchy skin after showering are people who already have dry skin and use harsh soaps that strip away natural oils. If you continue this pattern and don't take steps to hydrate your skin in and out of the shower, it could lead to a cracked and bleeding skin barrier.

Close-up of a woman applying white body lotion to her thigh with her fingertips in warm sunlight

4. Reaction to skincare products

Irritated skin may be the result of certain ingredients within your skincare products. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend choosing products with the bare minimum of ingredients to lessen the chance of aggravated skin.

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5. Reaction to laundry products

The shower might not be the reason for your itchy skin but instead your towel once you have stepped out. You may be reacting to the fabric conditioner you use in your wash, especially if it is highly fragranced. Instead, try a non-bio, sensitive detergent to see if your skin feels less itchy.

Clinician holding a tablet while examining a seated woman's face, with skin images displayed on a monitor

6. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause a very itchy feeling when you make contact with water. Aquagenic pruritus, for example, activates your nervous system when your skin makes contact with water; this is a rare condition, however. You should seek medical advice from your doctor if you think that your itchy skin after a shower could be caused by a condition like this.

How to get rid of
ITCHY SKIN AFTER THE SHOWER?

Woman holding a round jar of NIVEA Soft Daily UV cream against her shoulder under a blue sky

Your body parts most affected by itchiness post-shower will often be your legs and feet, as these parts of your body have lots of contact with the water. Here are our top tips on how to beat the itch and go back to feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after you've hit the shower:

Don't scratch – easier said than done, but try not to scratch the itch as this can cause more irritation as well as scarring and wounds.

Pat dry: rubbing the skin will also strip the skin of moisture and cause irritation. Instead, pat your skin dry as you do your face before applying a moisturiser.

Apply a deep moisturiser post-shower: to re‑equip your skin with the natural oils you lost during your body cleanse, use a nourishing body moisturiser while your skin is still damp. The NIVEA Soft 300ml, infused with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, is fast absorbing, moisturising your whole body on a daily basis.

Soothe itchy and dry skin after a shower

NIVEA Rich
Nourishing Body Lotion

Soothe dry skin after showering with NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, which provides 5‑in‑1 care. Enriched with Deep Moisture Serum, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E, the non-greasy body lotion will care for your skin, leaving it rejuvenated and smooth.

How to prevent
ITCHY SKIN

Smiling woman in a bathtub with foam on her shoulder, holding a blue bottle of NIVEA Creme Care bath foam

After experiencing the frustration that comes with dry, irritated skin, you may want to know how to prevent this from recurring the next time you hop out of the shower. NIVEA's top tips for itchy skin prevention include:

Cooler and shorter showers – cooler showers reduce the stripping of natural oils, therefore reducing the possibility of red skin after showering.

Choose a gentle soap – invest in a gentle soap or body wash such as the NIVEA Creme Protect Shower Cream, enriched with Vitamins C, E, and Natural Oils to help prevent the skin from drying out.

Avoid washcloths, rough sponges, or scrubs: using these can have the same impact as scratching your skin; instead, use your hands to apply body wash.

Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water so your body is hydrated and less likely to dry out while in the shower.

NIVEA Creme Care
SHOWER CREAM

The NIVEA Creme Care Shower Cream is a caring, cleansing formula that instantly smooths and moisturises your skin while you are in the shower. Perfect for every skin type, the cream is enriched with Natural Oils, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to help prevent your skin from drying out. Simply apply to wet skin, lather into a foam, and wash off for a long-lasting healthy skin feel.

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