India, Jan. 8 -- Nothing is often more relaxing and comfortable than a hot shower bath in the winter chill. However, a hot water bath can be quite harsh on your skin, causing long-term skin damage.

Dr Shweta Manchanda, Dermatologist, Aakash Healthcare, tells HT ShopNow, " "Your skin serves as a protective barrier. To a large extent, the natural oils and lipids keep the skin humid and block the environmental irritants from harming the skin."

This delicate shield is disturbed by long-term contact with hot water, and the vital oils are washed away. "When it is repeated, the skin becomes dry, tight and more susceptible to irritation, inflammation, and infections", she explains. Besides, even with the regular use of moisturisers, people obse...