Daily shower habits affect the skin barrier more than commonly assumed. Water temperature, shower duration and cleanser harshness directly influence the skin's lipid and NMF content.
The most challenging combination is a long, very hot shower plus a harsh foaming cleanser. Hot water dissolves skin lipids, harsh surfactants accelerate this, and duration amplifies the effect — usually resulting in post-shower tightness and dryness.
For a gentler approach: use lukewarm water, keep showers reasonable in length, choose gentle pH-balanced cleansers and pat dry without rubbing. The key tip: apply moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp.