Frequent bathing may damage the skin barrier function, leading to dryness, itching, and even dermatitis. Excessive bathing frequency is mainly related to factors such as skin oil loss, microbial imbalance, stratum corneum damage, temperature stimulation, and residual chemical cleaning agents.
1. Skin oil loss
The oil secreted by sebaceous glands can form a natural protective film on the surface of the skin. Using cleaning products multiple times a day while showering can excessively remove this layer of oil, causing the skin to lose its ability to retain water. Middle aged and elderly people or those with dry skin are more likely to experience flaking and tightness, and should reduce bathing to the next day in winter.
2. Microbial imbalance
There are a large number of symbiotic bacteria on the surface of the skin, and excessive cleaning can disrupt its microbial ecological balance. Pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus may take advantage of the situation and increase the risk of skin infections such as folliculitis and eczema. It is recommended to keep the water temperature below 40 ℃ and avoid scrubbing vigorously.
3. Damage to the stratum corneum
Frequent hot water washing can accelerate the shedding of keratinocytes, making the skin thinner and more sensitive. The clinical manifestations include redness and burning sensation after washing, and in severe cases, reticular erythema. The decrease in ceramide content weakens the skin's defense function and makes it more susceptible to external stimuli such as ultraviolet radiation.
4. Temperature stimulation
Long term high-temperature bathing can cause continuous dilation of capillaries, exacerbating chronic skin diseases such as rosacea and atopic dermatitis. Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases who suddenly come into contact with alternating cold and hot water stimulation may trigger blood pressure fluctuations. It is recommended to control the bathing time within 15 minutes.
5. Chemical cleaner residue
Some shower gels contain strong surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, and frequent use may cause contact dermatitis. Children and individuals with allergies should use tear free formula products and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to repair the skin barrier.
Healthy individuals can take a shower once a day and quickly rinse with clean water after exercise. Choose weakly acidic bath products with a pH value of around 5.5, and apply moisturizing lotion containing ceramide within 3 minutes after bathing. Those with obvious peeling and cracking of the skin should consult a dermatologist and use medication such as urea ointment for repair if necessary. In winter, the interval between showers can be appropriately extended, and local cleaning with towels can be used instead of full body flushing.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!