5 things we all do wrong in the shower
While showering every day keeps us smelling fresh, it actually disturbs the natural bacteria on our skin and strips it of the oils that keep it supple. In fact, many shower habits can actually be very unhygienic. Experts reveal what we’re doing wrong, and what to do instead.
1. Showering everyday
The University of California found that too much washing can actually be bad for you, because it strips away beneficial bugs that the body uses to help ward off infections. Apparently, if we simply wash our hands and below the belt regularly we can skip a full shower every day.
2. Showering for too long
Water is an irritant, so the longer you’re in there, the more irritated and dry your skin will become. Oil from the sebaceous glands hydrate the skin, so showering for too long strips it of moisture.
3. Rubbing soap on your whole body
Soap dislodges dirt and oil from the body, allowing water to wash it away. But the skin on the arms and legs doesn't contain a lot of oil, so cleaning them with soap just makes them dry. Instead, simply focus on the armpits, buttocks, groin and feet
4. Letting the shower water blast over your face
A hot shower can cause and exacerbate fragile capillary networks in the cheeks, leading to unattractive, visible capillary networks and worsened impaired skin conditions, experts warn.
5. Using a pouf
Poufs and loofahs are a haven for bacteria — the dead skin cells they scrub so well from our body get caught up in the nooks where bacteria can feed on them. Also, because poufs take time to dry and may well retain dead skin cells, it’s a potential source of infection. To keep it clean, wet your pouf and put it on a medium heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
How would you feel about skipping your daily shower, like one of these tips suggests? Let us now in the comments below.
Image credit: Shutterstock
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