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I’ve already told you why it’s better to take a cold shower rather than hot but do you know why it’s also better to take a shorter shower? Most people, including myself, linger in the shower because it feels refreshing and relaxing. Chances are you’re taking a shower for way longer than the recommended amount of time. Here are two main reasons for taking shorter showers.
1. Protect your skin. Staying in constant contact with hot water isn’t good for dry skin. Hot water will strip your skin of natural oils and leave it feeling tight and dry. Moisturize right after you get out of the shower to protect your skin and lock in moisture.
2. Environmental factors. Did you ever think about how your shower time affects the environment? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 17% of residential indoor water usage comes from showering, which adds up to 40 gallons a day…almost 1.2 trillion gallons a year just for showering. The EPA suggests each person should limit their shower to just five minutes. Not only does this save you time during the day, but also the energy it takes to heat water.
I know five minutes may sound shocking so start off by timing your showers to get an idea of how long you actually shower for. Then shorten each shower by a minute until you reach five minutes. You’ll save yourself time and money.
Don’t miss the benefits of showering in the morning vs. at night and how to properly air-dry your hair!
[Photo: Shutterstock]
