Shower time is a delightful, yet crucial moment of the day regarding your hygiene. But, regardless of how relaxing your shower time is, you may be making these seven mistakes without even realizing:

1. Drying your skin

You do not need to rub the towel on your skin to absorb water. Instead, dry gently with soft patting motions to avoid damaging the skin.

As time passes, our skin gets older, and we should take extra care to prevent damage. Dermatologist Patricia Ferris said, "As you get older, your oil glands poop out on you, so you're much more prone to dry skin. You have to adjust your bathing habits accordingly."

2. Washing your hair every day

You have probably heard this tip by now. Washing every day or many times a week is not necessary or recommended for healthy hair. "If you have thin or delicate hair, you should avoid washing your hair too much, no more than twice a week to maintain natural hair oils," says Andrea L. Hayden, owner of The Hair Management Group in Texas. If you have naturally curly or thick hair, you should shampoo once a week.

3. Using the same sponge for a long time

Sponges are great to use in the bath, but not when they aren't regularly replaced or cleaned. According to Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, there are all sorts of bacteria and molds that grow on sponges. Sponges should be thrown away after four weeks. Dr. Jaliman also says to place sponges somewhere to dry completely after each use.

4. Waiting too long before moisturizing

Dermatologists agree you should use a three-minute rule. Don't wait more than three minutes after getting out of the bath to moisturize your skin. Dermatoligist Cynthia Bailey says you should dry off, and immediately moisturize to prevent dryness and cracks that act as gateways for bacteria to enter your body.

5. Lathering your whole body

Soap is made to dissolve dirt and oil. Only use soap on parts of the body that really need it. For example, your legs and arms don't release very much oil so they don't need to be lathered with soap very often. Dr. Bailey advises to use soap mostly in oily places like your armpits, buttocks, groin and feet.

6. Taking long showers

"You shouldn't shower for more than five to 10 minutes," says Dr. Farris. "Shorter is better." Long showers strip your skin of moisture and leave your skin dry and cracking.

7. Using very hot water

Hot baths are not recommended. It might help you relax, but it will damage your skin. Dr. Bailey says, "Hot water is bad for two reasons. First, it removes too much of your natural oils. Second, hot water brings blood circulation to your skin which is why your skin turns red and becomes itchy."

Before you bathe, pay attention to your skin and its needs. By doing so, you will have the best skin of your life in no time.

This article was adapted and translated from the original, "7 erros terríveis que você comete na hora do banho, mas não deveria." It was originally published on familia.com.br.