My skin is pretty dry year-round, but we go into desert-like dryness once the temperatures drop. As such, I apply body lotion religiously, but some days it takes me a bit longer than others to get going. I know I’m not the only person who can get a little wobbly after a shower, especially on those work-from-home days. I’m a morning shower team, so at least a few times a week, I find myself sitting in my bath in a deep hole, checking emails before it occurs to me that I should probably moisturize and maybe get dressed for the day. Turns out, that’s a bad habit I’ll be working 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 have proposed keeping showers to just three minutes to minimize waste, but that is not the recommendation we are dealing with today. Instead, we’re digging into the three-minute shower rule that pops up on social media every now and then. If it still does not meet your stuff (now it will), it is the guide that moisturizing within three minutes of getting out of the shower is essential for the health of the skin.
Do doctors recommend the 3 minute shower rule?
The three-minute shower rule isn’t just some TikTok trend that’s going away. In fact, all the doctors I spoke to agreed that it has merit. “Applying moisturizer within three minutes of a shower to damp, not wet skin is really beneficial,” says Dr. Asim Nazir Cheema, an internist and board-certified cardiologist based in Ontario, Canada.
And he is not alone. Dr. Eric Tepper, a board-certified family medicine physician in Sacramento, California, adds that using body lotion right away helps lock in hydration and is preferable to waiting until your skin is dry. “Moisturizer on damp skin is more effective in keeping the skin hydrated,” he notes.
Why do doctors recommend the 3 minute shower rule?
Dry and itchy skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but that’s not all. According to Dr. Michael Chichak, an Ohio-based general practitioner, dry skin also makes you prone to skin damage. Fortunately, applying a moisturizer at the right time can help.
To understand why, Dr. Samantha Schneider, a board-certified dermatologist in Carson City, Nevada, explains this way: “After the shower, our skin loses hydration. Skin rehydration is most successful when a moisturizer is applied immediately after the shower, while the skin is still moist. into the skin, which leads to better and deeper hydration.”
Cheema adds that moist skin is more permeable, which allows moisturizers to “better trap water in the outer layer.” This means less dryness and a reduced potential for all the adverse side effects caused by lack of moisture.
Which body lotions are best for the 3 minute shower rule?
Yahoo Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini has made moisturizing a full-time job in her quest to find the best body lotions. These are her top picks, all under $20.
Amazon
“This giant bath of silky cream was the most impressive product I found for rapid hydration of dry skin,” said Romolini. After testing a number of formulas, this one ticked all the boxes. “It’s light and cool to the touch, but it also manages to really sink in and soften the dry skin on my arms and legs without leaving a hint of residue. The best is the whipped texture, which absorbs quickly, which makes me look forward to after the shower and also moisturizing before bed.”
$10 on Amazon
Amazon
There’s a reason why Romolini, along with countless dermatologists, recommends Vanicream: It works. It’s especially great for people with sensitive skin because it won’t clog your pores and doesn’t contain common irritants like dyes, fragrances, botanical extracts or even essential oils. “Compared to other sensitive skin moisturizers with fancier ingredients and packaging, Vanicream may not stand out as glamorous, but when your skin is tight and irritated, it saves the day,” wrote Romolini.
$14 on Amazon
Amazon
Folks looking to smooth and tighten should absolutely try this gem of a drug before splashing out big bucks on high-end products. Romolini put it to the test over the summer and noticed a significant improvement in the crepey-ness of the skin on her arms and knees with regular use.
“There are loads of pricier brands out there that promise to soften and smooth the texture of aging skin, but from my experience – and for my money – this is a real winner,” she shared.
$11 on Amazon
Amazon
Scented lotion isn’t for everyone, but if you like a little something extra when applying body cream, then this Native formula is the way to go. It is made with plant-based moisturisers, and is dermatologist-tested to be suitable for all skin types.
There are currently 10 varieties to choose from, and according to Romolini, “the scents are lush, but not overpowering and the cream itself is satiny and leaves a velvety finish on your skin.”
$14 on Amazon