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Are Hot Tubs Good for Your Skin? (+ 5 Bonus Skin Care Tips)
Hot tub users may find that their skin is prone to drying up. Follow these hot tub skincare tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated!
There is nothing more soothing than relaxing in a hot tub. However, hot tub users may notice that they experience frequent dry skin problems. In addition to the water in a hot tub being at a high temperature, it also contains various chemicals. So that may lead you to rightfully ask, “are hot tubs good for my skin”?
To ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated while taking advantage of the various benefits of hot tubs, you should take extra care of your skin.
We have compiled some hot tub skincare tips to make sure you can keep enjoying your tub without any worries!
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Hot Tub Benefits and Risks for Your Skin
Hot tubs can be a fantastic way to unwind, but you might wonder about the hot tub benefits for skin or whether they could be bad for your skin. The good news is that soaking in a hot tub can offer some perks for your skin when done right. The warm water can improve blood flow, delivering nutrients to your skin and potentially boosting collagen production for a firmer, healthier look. It also opens your pores, which can help flush out dirt and impurities, making hot tubs good for acne in some cases by promoting cleaner skin.
However, there are risks to consider. Hot tubs can dry out your skin, especially if you soak for too long or the water contains high levels of chlorine or other chemicals. For some, this dryness can lead to irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. There’s also a chance of skin infections, like hot tub folliculitis, if the water isn’t properly maintained. The key is balance—enjoy the benefits while taking steps to protect your skin.
| Effect | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Circulation | Boosts blood flow, supports collagen production. | Enhances skin health with regular use. |
| Pore Cleansing | Opens pores, removes dirt, good for acne. | Shower after to rinse impurities. |
| Stress Relief | Reduces stress, may improve skin conditions. | Indirect benefit for acne, eczema. |
| Dryness Risk | Chemicals like chlorine can strip natural oils. | Moisturize and limit soak time. |
| Infection Risk | Bacteria like Pseudomonas can cause folliculitis. | Ensure proper water maintenance. |
Is Hot Tub Water Good for Your Skin?
Many hot tub users ask, “Is hot tub water good for skin?” The answer depends on how well you maintain your hot tub. Properly balanced hot tub water care that is good for skin involves keeping the water clean and the chemicals in check. Clean water can enhance the skin-cleansing benefits of a hot tub by allowing your pores to open and release impurities without introducing bacteria. However, if the water has too much chlorine or isn’t sanitized properly, it can irritate your skin or even lead to infections.
To ensure your hot tub water is skin-friendly, test the pH and sanitizer levels regularly and follow a consistent maintenance schedule. This not only keeps your hot tub safe but also maximizes the skin health benefits of your soak.
Take a Quick Shower Afterwards
Adding chlorine, bromine or a similar product to your hot tub is essential to keep it sanitized and safe. However, these sanitizers shouldn’t be allowed to stay on your body or clothes for a long time. It is, at the end of the day, a chemical. It can rob your skin of essential oils, causing it to dry up. Additionally, there are often several other pH-balancing chemicals in hot tub water. While these are good for your hot tub, they aren’t always great for your skin.
This is why it is recommended to take a quick shower and rinse off chlorine and any other chemicals from your skin. This will prevent chemicals from negatively affecting your skin.
Pat, Don’t Rub
When getting out of a hot tub, the first thing people do is grab a towel. While you may be inclined to rub yourself dry, be careful not to!
Hot water opens up skin pores. While this is good for the skin, it also makes it vulnerable. If you instantly begin rubbing it harshly with a towel, you risk irritating your skin. This can cause the skin to dry up and even lead to rashes.
Be gentle and carefully pat yourself dry.
Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize!
No one ever lost anything by moisturizing! The number one skincare tip is always to moisturize. The preferred time to moisturize is once you have showered and your skin is still damp. Moisturizing will trap moisture in your skin’s top layer, enabling it to be hydrated and feel smooth.
Make a regular routine to moisturize your skin. You’ll definitely notice the difference regular moisturizing can make.
Exfoliate Weekly
Dermatologists always recommend exfoliation as an excellent tip to keep your skin feeling healthy and soft. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells. When you exfoliate, you allow your pores to up and regenerate healthier skin. As fresh skin cells replace old ones, you’ll notice your skin no longer feels dry.
Take care, however, to not over-exfoliate, as you can risk inflaming your skin. Stick to a weekly exfoliation schedule. To maximize the benefits of exfoliation, follow up with moisturizing.
Stay Hydrated
While what you put on your skin is important, what you put into your body is equally significant. Hydration is essential to skin health.
Drink lots of water before and after soaking in a hot tub. This will help to combat the dehydrating effects of being in a hot tub. Besides this, monitor your daily intake of water. Health experts recommend drinking 2 liters or half a gallon of water every day.
The Bottom Line
There is nothing better than ending a day with a relaxing soak in a hot tub. While excessive soaking can cause dry skin, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the luxuries of a hot tub. If you stick to a regular skincare routine and stay hydrated, you’ll find using a hot tub won’t affect your skin at all!
If you are in the market for a new hot tub, contact the team at Epic Hot Tubs. We are your local hot tub experts serving Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area. Fill out the form below or call us at 888-884-3742 to get started!
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About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.
