Showering 101: How to Clean Your Skin Without Harming It

Showering is something we all do daily—but are we actually doing it right for our skin? In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton break down the science of cleansing, from soap vs. body wash to water temperature, frequency, and the truth about “everything showers.” This episode is sponsored by Bioderma, a dermatology-driven brand focused on supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Listeners will learn: Why traditional soap can damage your skin barrier—and what to use instead The difference between soaps and syndets (synthetic cleansers) Whether showers or baths are better (the answer may surprise you) How often you should really be showering—and why daily is fine if done properly The impact of hot water, hard water, and long showers on skin health Why scrubbing and loofahs can do more harm than good The truth about “moisturizing body washes” and why they don’t replace creams How cleansing affects your skin microbiome (and why gentle products matter) When moisturizing is essential—and when you might not need it The takeaway? Healthy skin starts with simple habits: gentle cleansing, shorter showers, and protecting your skin barrier." 00:00 Intro and Sponsor 01:52 Bar Soap vs Syndet Beauty Bars 04:32 Shower vs Bath and How Often 09:19 Cold Showers and Hard Water 13:29 Body Washes and Fragrance 16:32 Do Moisturizing Body Washes Work? 20:30 Scrubbing, Loofahs and Dry Brushing 22:34 Showering and Your Microbiome 25:30 Do You Need to Moisturize? 28:45 Winter Itch and the Everything Shower 31:31 Quick Recap