Why Is My Skin Itchy? + Tips for Soothing the Itch

Have you ever stepped out of the shower, dried off, and suddenly found yourself feeling for different parts of your body trying to scratch that mysterious itch on your skin? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Itchy skin is quite common, and there are a few reasons why it might be happening.

1. Your Skin Has Lost It’s Moisture: General Dryness

One major reason your skin might be feeling itchy is plain old dryness. Hot showers (especially long ones) can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it parched and in desperate need of hydration. Without these natural oils, your skin becomes much more susceptible to irritation.

2. Using Harsh Soaps

Sometimes, the products we use to stay squeaky clean might be causing the itchiness. Harsh soaps and shower gels can strip a lot of your skin’s moisture, worsening the dryness and leaving you scratching your body.

3. Allergies

Another reason your skin might be itching post-shower could be allergies. Some people are sensitive to certain ingredients in soaps, shower gels, or even the laundry detergent used on their towels. Your skin might be rebelling against these ingredients, leading to that irresistible itch.

4. Water Woes

Let’s not forget the unsung or villain in the shower drama – the water itself. If you live in an area with hard water, loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium, your skin might be feeling the consequences. Hard water leaves a stubborn residue on your skin, contributing to dryness and that bothersome itch.

So, What Can You Do to Relieve the Itch?

1. Shorter, Lukewarm Showers: If you enjoy having hot showers, consider shortening your shower time and dialing down the temperature. Additionally, consider having lukewarm showers instead, as these help retain your skin’s natural oils.

2. Gentle Cleansers: Choose mild, moisturizing cleansers. Your skin doesn’t need a battle; it needs a gentle cleanse. Look for products with moisturizing ingredients. If you’ve got sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of cleansing products that have fragrances or perfumes.

3. Pat, Don’t Rub: Be kind to your skin. Pat your skin dry after showering instead of turning your towel into a sandpaper substitute. This helps to retain some moisture.

4. MOISTURIZE: Moisturize like it’s your job, even at night. After showering, apply a good moisturizer to lock in hydration and watch how the itch goes away.

5. Water Softener: If you live in an area with hard water, consider investing in a water softener or heighten your defense with moisturizing products to counteract hard water’s effects. After all, your skin deserves gentle care, not an unintended mineral soak.

Shea Butter: Your Skin’s Best Friend

Shea butter, extracted from shea tree nuts, isn’t just a fancy name. It’s a natural powerhouse of fatty acids and vitamins. It’s renowned for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin. Applying shea butter can help soothe dryness, reduce itching, and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

Check out our range of shea-butter infused body butters here.

Bottomline

Solving the mystery of the notorious post-shower itch requires a strategic approach. Modify your shower habits, choose gentle products, and enlist the help natural moisturizers like shea butter.