What constitutes bad bathing habits?
Here are some mistakes you unknowingly make while taking bathe –
Showering too often
Believe it or not, this is a common mistake made by many. When you shower multiple times a day, you end up scrubbing your skin repeatedly, which can strip the skin of its natural oils. This can irritate and dry up the skin after some time. Here is a simple thumb rule – If you are in a cold country, you can shower a few times a week. But if you are in a hot and humid country like India, you can take a bath once a day.
Taking a hot shower
We admit – hot showers can be extremely relaxing and rejuvenating. Unfortunately, they can also be detrimental to your skin’s health. For starters, hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils faster than cold or even lukewarm water. This can make your skin irritated if you have dry or sensitive skin. That’s not all. When you expose your skin to hot water for too long, it can dilate your blood vessels. This can exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea.
Missing your feet
This is another common mistake made by many. Feet is one part of your body that is often neglected during a bath. However, it is also something that is often subjected to wear and tear, accumulating dirt, sweat, and bacteria in the process. Not cleaning it thoroughly can lead to fungal and bacterial infections. This is also one of the reasons for that unpleasant odor that emanates from your skin. So thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water everyday. Pay special attention to toes and soles because fungi and bacteria thrive areas with cracks and folds. After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup, which, again, reduces the risk of infections.
Using wrong soap
Many people buy and use harsh soaps containing sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. While such soaps may feel good to use at first(due to the smell and lathering ability), prolonged usage can lead to dryness and even allergic reactions. And it is never advisable to use a soap that is not right for your skin because it can disrupt your skin’s balance and worsen your existing conditions. Always opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that is tailor-made for your skin type. Also, make it a point to always read the ingredients before buying a new cleanser. This is to avoid exposure to all the above harsh chemicals.
Using unclean towels or sharing them
The final step in your bathing routine – drying your body using a towel, can also cause skin issues. Unclean towels often contain bacteria, fungi, and even allergens, which can cause skin infections when used. The tricky part is most towels seem clean to the naked eye, but they are not. So always use well-washed and sun-dried towels. If possible, wash them regularly with hot water and detergent to remove any remaining bacteria and fungi. And it is important to not share towels with others, even if it is your partner. The reasoning is pretty simple – if either of you has an infection it can spread to the other via towels.
Best bathing habits to prevent damage to skin
Apart from avoiding the above mistakes, here are some bathing habits that you can follow to prevent skin damage –
- Always use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free soap and cleanser.
- After finishing your bath, moisturize your skin thoroughly with a hydrating skin cream. It is ideal if you could do this within three minutes of towel drying.
- Regularly disinfect the shower area as it can harbor fungus and bacteria. This is even more important if you share the shower with others.
- Always dry out your loofahs or shower sponges. Don’t forget to discard them when they look worn out.
- Regularly change your bathroom mats as bacteria and fungi can be present there due to the moist conditions it is subjected to.
- Clean the shower head once in a month, as bacteria and fungi can grow inside those shower holes.
- Turn on the exhaust fan every time you bathe to help control the humidity which is known to be the favorite environment for microbes to thrive.
Wrapping Up
Following the above tips while showering can keep several skin infections at bay. However, in case you end up having one, visit a dermatologist for an instant solution. If you are in Bangalore or its vicinity, visit Dr. Renu’s clinic at HSR layout for different treatment options for your skin issues. Book an appointment now.
