If you’re finishing your day by washing your face in a piping-hot shower, an expert says you could be speeding up skin ageing without realising it. That daily blast of steaming water might feel relaxing, especially during these frosty January temperatures, but it could be leaving skin drier, tighter and more lined over time.

Dr Annette Phillips, specialist aesthetics doctor at Forever Facial Aesthetics, says it’s one of the biggest skincare mistakes she sees. “Hot water strips the skin’s protective barrier,” she explains. “That barrier helps skin hold moisture and stay comfortable. When it’s damaged, skin can look dull, feel tight and make fine lines stand out more, especially around the eyes and mouth.”

And it’s not just the water temperature causing problems, as the shower itself often encourages rushed habits that skin doesn’t love. Many people cleanse their face with body wash or let shampoo and conditioner run straight down over their cheeks.

“Those products are made for hair and body, not facial skin,” says Dr Phillips. “Over time, that can lead to dryness, sensitivity and rough texture. People often tell me their skin suddenly looks older, when really it’s just been over-cleansed.”

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So what should you change? According to Dr Phillips, the fix is simple: stop washing your face in a hot shower and stop using shower products on your face altogether. She recommends keeping showers warm rather than steaming, so skin doesn’t feel tight afterwards.

When it comes to cleansing, do it at the sink using lukewarm water and a gentle facial cleanser. “If your skin feels tight after washing, that’s usually a sign the water or cleanser is too harsh,” she says.

Moisturising straight after cleansing also makes a difference. Applying moisturiser while skin is slightly damp helps lock in hydration and keeps skin looking smoother and plumper.

If your skin has been feeling dry or reactive, Dr Phillips advises against piling on new products. “Stick to the basics that you know your skin tolerates and give it time to recover,” she says.

The payoff should come fast, especially for those who have seen eczema-like flare-ups in recent weeks. Many people notice their skin feels calmer and less tight within a week of ditching the hot shower cleanse– a small habit change, but one that can have a noticeable impact on how skin looks and feels.