Table of contents:
- Bathing habits that are not good for health
- 1. Rub the scalp with finger nails
- 2. Soap does not contain moisture
- 3. Bathing with hot water and too long
- 4. Rubbing the body too hard
- 5. The wrong razor
- 6. Does not rinse the body well
- 7. Do not use moisturizing lotion right away
You may think that bathing is a trifle. Yes, all you have to do is pour water all over your body, soap or wash it off, and rinse it clean. However, are you sure if the shower technique that you have done so far is correct? The reason is, there are some bathing habits that are often done in fact wrong and not good for health. Anything, huh? Find out more in this article.
Bathing habits that are not good for health
Not only does it get rid of body odor, taking a shower can also make the body feel fresher. The sensation of water flowing through the body can help relax muscles and release fatigue after a long day of activities so that the body feels calmer.
However, try to reconsider the bathing technique that you do every day. To Reader's Digest, dr. Patricia Farris, a dermatologist from Tulane University, said that the wrong bathing habits can make the skin dry and itchy, and can even lead to eczema. As you get older, the oil glands in your skin become thinner, making you more prone to dry skin. This of course will be exacerbated by improper bathing habits.
The following are some of the bathing habits that have turned out to be wrong.
1. Rub the scalp with finger nails
Rubbing the scalp when shampooing does feel refreshing. However, the effect will be reversed and dangerous if you do it with your fingernails. The habit of rubbing the scalp with finger nails is usually done so that the shampoo produces more foam. Unfortunately, doing so can cause flaking and scarring of your scalp.
So, make sure to stop this wrong bathing habit right away. Experts say that just using your fingertips can create a lot of lather while rubbing your scalp. This method is certainly safer from the risk of scalp injury. In addition, avoid the habit of pinching and rubbing your hair with your palms because it can cause split ends.
2. Soap does not contain moisture
What type of soap do you usually use, liquid soap or bar soap? Yes, the type of soap you use influences the good or the bad of your bathing habits, you know!
If you prefer to use bar soap, make sure the soap you use is moisturized. The reason is, soap without moisturizing content can dry out the skin. Use a soap that contains stearic acid or includes the word "moisturizing" on the soap package.
3. Bathing with hot water and too long
Cold weather often triggers the desire to take a long hot shower. This can indeed help warm the body, but it can also dry out the skin. The reason is, the temperature of the water that is too hot can widen the pores and erode the natural oils that the skin needs, thereby reducing skin moisture.
You will also feel the same effect if you shower too long. When the skin is exposed to water too often while bathing, the water will wash away the natural oil and moisture content of the skin. Some experts say that the ideal bath time is at least 5 to 10 minutes to keep your skin healthy.
4. Rubbing the body too hard
Because you want to clean your body quickly, you may often rub your body too hard, whether it's with your palms or using a bath sponge (shower puff). In fact, the surface of a bath sponge tends to be rough and can remove the skin's natural barrier.
Basically, scrubbing your body with your hands alone is enough to clean your skin from the dirt. If you want to use a bath sponge, be sure not to put it in the shower and change the bath sponge regularly.
This is because hot, steamy environments such as bathrooms are the best places for bacterial growth. Bath sponges filled with bacteria will make your skin peel off faster and prone to infection. Therefore, you should use a cotton cloth - which is usually used for babies - which is safer for your skin.
5. The wrong razor
A razor with four or five blades may speed up the process and give better results, but it can also damage the skin. When you shave, you are simultaneously removing the layers of skin through the blades. This means that the more blades there are, the more layers of skin will be eroded.
One to two blades is enough, really. Also make sure you know how to shave properly, namely from top to bottom to avoid inflammation of the hair follicles and possible injury. In order for the skin area to be more awake, make sure the area has been lubricated with a special soap or cream first so that the shaving process becomes easier and safer.
6. Does not rinse the body well
One thing to note, don't forget to make sure all the soap and shampoo have been rinsed off. The reason is, the soap and shampoo residue left on the skin can cause irritation and clog pores, triggering acne on the body, including on the back.
To prevent back acne, tilt your head while rinsing your hair. This will allow the rest of the shampoo and conditioner to flow directly onto the floor without touching your back. After that, make sure again to rinse your body thoroughly.
7. Do not use moisturizing lotion right away
After you finish showering, you may wait a few moments before applying the moisturizing lotion. Remember not to let your skin dry for too long after showering and then applying a moisturizing lotion. Delaying too long will prevent the lotion from absorbing completely into the skin.
Therefore, the best time to apply a moisturizing lotion is as soon as you dry off after showering while your body is still fairly moist. This way, the lotion will be fully absorbed and your skin will stay moisturised.
