How clean should you be when taking a shower?

This is the 5105th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

When we immerse ourselves in the warm water and feel the water droplets caressing our skin, at that moment, it seems as if all the fatigue and dust are gently taken away. Bathing, a seemingly simple daily behavior, carries the dual mission of cleansing and relaxation. But in this era of pursuit of extreme cleanliness, have we ever thought deeply: How deep does a bath really need to be to be considered clean enough? Do we need to thoroughly remove every bit of grease and dirt on the skin? Is our skin, the natural barrier of the body, damaged by excessive cleaning?

Skin, the "outer garment" we carry with us, is not only the first line of defense for the body, but also a superhero who silently protects us. The seemingly inconspicuous stratum corneum and the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin are also a powerful defense team. Hand in hand, they form a natural barrier that can not only lock in moisture and keep the skin soft, but also resist the invasion of bacteria and viruses and protect us from harm. Although this barrier is invisible and intangible, it is crucial. It is like a carefully woven coat that can regulate body temperature and sense subtle changes in the outside world.

In daily life, we often use various skin cleansers or shower gels to clean our bodies. The chemical ingredients contained in these products, such as surfactants, fragrances, preservatives, etc., are designed to help us remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. However, these chemical ingredients are not always friends of the skin. Although surfactants can effectively remove oil, they may also deprive the natural protective layer on the surface of the skin, causing water loss, making the skin dry and fragile. Fragrances and preservatives, although they can add a pleasant smell to the product and extend the shelf life, may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially for sensitive skin. These additives may cause discomfort symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching.

Therefore, when choosing skin cleansing products, we should give priority to those that are mild and low in irritation. Look for products labeled "suitable for sensitive skin" or "fragrance-free" to reduce skin irritation. At the same time, be careful not to use too much, massage the skin gently, and avoid scrubbing hard to protect our skin barrier from damage.

Scrubbing the body is a common cleansing habit, but excessive scrubbing may have adverse effects on the skin. The stratum corneum and lipid membrane on the surface of the skin together constitute the skin's barrier protection layer, which is essential for protecting the skin from external aggressions and maintaining skin moisture. Excessive scrubbing, especially using a rough scrubbing cloth or excessive force, may destroy this protective layer and cause damage to the skin's natural barrier. When the skin barrier is damaged, the skin is more likely to become dry and sensitive. This dryness is not just an external visual problem, it may also cause skin diseases such as itching, eczema, and dermatitis. In addition, excessive scrubbing may also make it easier for bacterial microorganisms on the surface of the skin to invade, increasing the risk of infection.

To avoid excessive scrubbing, it is recommended to use mild bath products, take a bath with warm water, try to choose a shower, and the time should not be too long. In addition, try to scrub the body less, and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. For those who like to scrub the body, it is also a good choice to choose a cotton bath towel and avoid using a scrubbing towel that damages the skin's stratum corneum.

Moderate cleansing is key. Our goal is to cleanse the skin, not to disrupt its natural balance. By choosing wisely and using the right method, we can keep our bodies clean while maintaining the health and comfort of our skin. Bathing is not only a process of cleansing the body, but also a time to care for the skin. We should cherish the skin's natural barrier and avoid over-cleansing to ensure that it continues to play a protective role in daily life.

Author: Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University

Bo Lulong, Assistant Director of the Department of Anesthesiology