There is a lot of debate about whether daily showers are harmful to the skin, so what is the correct opinion?
What are the keys to skin care when taking a shower?
In a report published by the Spanish website medicoplus, writer Irene Sanchez Martin said that the answers to the issue of daily bathing are mixed, although dermatologists point out that we can do it as long as we do it correctly.
The writer stated that hygiene is essential for humans, but we must know the cleaning method that does not harm the health of the skin, the number of showers and the correct way to do so, in addition to other factors that can affect the skin.
The writer explained that it is possible to shower once a day using a neutral soap that contains glycerin and vegetable oils, and to make sure that the water is lukewarm and not too hot, and to avoid bathing for too long, then the body should be dried with a soft-touch towel without rubbing the skin strongly.
But some people need to shower twice a day due to heavy physical exertion or exercise.
What is the skin made of?
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and performs important functions such as protecting the body from pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, regulating body temperature and hydration, and maintaining homeostasis.
The skin consists of 3 layers, namely the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue, which in turn are divided into different sub-layers.
The epidermis is the outer layer that is the first defensive barrier against pathogens and helps maintain the balance of body fluids.
This layer is covered with a hydrolipidic layer composed of water and lipids, which are fatty particles generated by the secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands.
The function of this layer is to keep the skin moist and supple, produce antioxidants and act as a barrier against germs, such as bacteria and fungi.
Bathing once a day is not harmful to the health of the skin, as opposed to doing it several times a day (Getty Images)
Does showering every day damage the skin?
The skin is covered by a membrane that acts as a protective barrier, and it has been observed that excessive showering can damage this membrane, and thus harm the health of the skin and the body.
Bathing once a day is not harmful to the health of the skin, unlike doing it several times a day.
Factors to consider when taking a shower
There are some variables that we can take into consideration when taking a shower, to avoid harming our skin and so that showering is good for our health, and not the other way around.
The right temperature:
It is recommended that the water be lukewarm, and this means avoiding showering with very hot water because it will damage the film that protects the skin and cause skin irritation and increase its sensitivity.
Don't Spend Too Much Time In The Bath:
The time we spend in the shower should be enough to clean ourselves.
We should avoid staying in the shower for too long as this will make the skin lose its natural oils and expose the body to an excessive amount of water that can harm the health of the skin.
Choosing the right products:
pH is a very important factor when it comes to protecting the skin.
The pH of the skin, which is an indicator of acidity, is formed by the subcutaneous tissue located between the epidermis and the dermis responsible for the lubrication and protection of this organ.
When an imbalance in pH occurs, the risk of dermatitis or dermatitis increases.
Choosing a soap rich in vegetable oils:
Soap or shower gel are chemical products that can alter the pH level, which is why it is important to use a neutral soap, which shows a pH very similar to that of our skin - between 4.7 and 5.75 - and contains Usually on glycerin, which has moisturizing and antibacterial properties and is rich in vegetable oils.
Use an adequate amount of soap:
It is important that we use the necessary amount of soap without exaggeration, to be able to clean the body with soap completely, preferably using our hands.
Sponges that are too stiff or exfoliating are not recommended;
Because it can damage the skin and cause irritation.
And if you want to use a sponge, choose a soft one for everyday use and leave the scrub on for specific occasions.
Soap is a chemical product that can change the pH level, so use a neutral soap (Pixabe)
Gently dry the skin
Drying is an important process that we don't usually give enough importance.
And if we use the right hygiene products without paying enough attention to the towel and the way we dry ourselves, the process can also be harmful to our skin.
It is recommended to choose a soft, dry towel without too much pressure on the skin.
Care should be taken to dry hard-to-reach areas such as the folds or between the fingers to avoid moisture and fungus.
Use a moisturizing cream
Complementing hygiene with hydration helps achieve a better condition for our skin.
The hydrolipidic layer provides adequate hydration to the skin, but given the factors that can affect it, such as environmental pollution or soap, it can dry out the skin so it is beneficial to moisturize.
Take care to ensure a balance in hygiene
We must apply good hygiene rules without overdoing them.
Based on the above, it is possible to shower once a day and not to exceed this rate.