While it’s nice to unwind with a long soak in the hot tub, the soothing water may not be as healthy for you as you believe. Hot water can potentially dry out skin, making it unpleasant and irritable — and if you have a skin disease like psoriasis or eczema, the dryness is exacerbated. But you don’t have to give up hot tubs forever. You can avoid dryness and keep your skin soft and supple by caring for your body before and after each usage.

To avoid skin dryness or burning, place a thermometer in the hot tub’s water and set the temperature to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are considered excessively hot. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy because the thermostat reading may not be accurate.

Try to spend no more than 10 to 15 minutes in the hot tub. Your skin is more likely to dry out if you soak for extended periods of time.

As soon as you get out of the hot tub, remove your swimming suit and take a warm shower to wash away the chlorine. For best results, use a chlorine-removing soap and shampoo. These items can be easily found in local drugstores or beauty supply stores and even on Amazon. Chlorine irritates and dries out the skin.

After you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your skin with the towel; this can irritate it.

After showering, apply a high-quality moisturizer or lotion while your skin is still damp. The wetness aids in the retention of moisture in your skin. Glycerin, panthenol, and lactic acid are all good moisturizers to use.

Simple But Effective Tip

You may face a rash or irritation if the chlorine or pH level in your hot tub is too high. A pool test strip can be used to test the water in your hot tub. The ideal concentration of free chlorine in hot tub water is between 2 and 4 ppm. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Before entering the water, adjust the pH or chlorine level if it is outside of an acceptable range. If you want to raise the pH of your hot tub on your own, use a product that contains sodium carbonate. Muriatic acid-containing products reduce pH. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product’s packaging.

Caution

If you take drowsy medications like antihistamines or tranquillizers, do not use hot tubs.  

Ask your doctor if using a hot tub is safe if you have diabetes, blood pressure difficulties, circulation problems, or a similar ailment.