7 bath mistakes that are bad for your health

Experts point out which attitudes should be avoided to keep skin, hair and teeth healthy

After a tiring day, taking a shower can help relax the body, relieve stress and promote well-being. In addition, this hygienic ritual is also essential for eliminating germs and preventing disease. However, this simple activity can be done incorrectly and harm the health of the body. See below for the main mistakes made while taking a bath and learn how to avoid them.

1. Using the same bath sponge

Luffa and bath sponges are common items in the shower for most people, who believe the product is beneficial for the skin, but in reality the effect is the opposite. “The use of bath sponges damages the skin healthremoving the hydrolipidic mantle which is an important natural protection to keep the tissue hydrated “, explains dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

For this reason, according to the doctor, frequent use of loofah can make the skin drier and more susceptible to allergies and infections, “mainly because the sponges are a favorable means for the proliferation of fungi and bacteria due to the humidity in the bathroom”.

Two. Brush your teeth in the bathtub

Brushing your teeth in the shower is a common habit for most people. The problem, as explained by Dr. Hugo Lewgoy, USP dentist and doctor, is brushing on autopilot in the bathtub. “This causes people to embrace and perpetuate the imperfections in the brushing technique that can damage cleansing and, consequently, oral health,” warns the specialist.

Perform oral hygiene correctly

If you choose to perform this habit in the bathtub, it is important to pay close attention to what you are doing. “THE brushing it must be performed tooth by tooth with rapid circular movements and without forcing. The brush head should be tilted at an angle of approximately 45º to the surface of the teeth, with half of the bristles positioned above the gum. Interestingly, the brush has an octagonal handle and a design that favors the correct angle. […]”explains Dr. Hugo Lewgoy.

3. Use the same soap all over your body

Thinking they are equivalent products, many people use body and face soaps interchangeably when bathing, which can have consequences for skin health. “The skin of the different regions has specific characteristics and needs. Therefore, it is recommended to have two different soaps: one for the body and one for the face”, explains dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

negative effects

According to the doctor, the pH of the body soap is not compatible with the skin of the face. “So, when used in this region, it can cause dehydration and therefore a rebound effect. And the same is true for the reverse, as being more delicate, face soap may not be effective in removing dirt and oil. from the body. “, He adds.

face soap

In the case of the face, it is important that the product is specific your skin type For example, oily and acne-prone skin should opt for products that can control oil production, while for drier and more sensitive skin it is recommended to use a product that can gently cleanse while moisturizing.

4. Sanitize your beard with hair shampoo

A very common mistake that bearded men make is to use hair shampoo to clean their beard. “Using hair shampoo to clean the beard can promote dry skin and hair, promoting breakage and itching and damaging growth, as well as stimulating oil production resulting in dandruff in the region.” explains the dermatologist. . Abdo Salomão Jr., member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Therefore, it is important to use specific products for cleaning the beard region.

5. Exfoliate the skin too much

According to Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, the exfoliant aims to perform a deep and effective skin hygiene, freeing the pores and removing dead cells, impurities and excess oil to make it clean, smooth and radiant.

“In addition to promoting the renewal of skin tissues with consequent improvement in texture, the use of face scrubs weekly or fortnightly still usually contributes to the prevention and reduction of blackheads and pimples, “says the doctor. The problem is that many people abuse the exfoliant, and the overuse also helps to remove the natural protection of the skin, even more. more when formulated with larger granules.

6. Take a bath with hot water

In addition to the improper use of hygiene products, another common mistake that can cause the skin to become dehydrated while bathing is related to the temperature of the water. “It can also be pleasant, but the long, hot shower tends to make the skin even drier. Therefore, the shower should be short and at the right temperature, more in between,” says Dr. Mônica Aribi, dermatologist, full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery and international member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Application of products after a shower

According to the specialist, after bathing, it is recommended to apply products to moisturize the skin. “Take advantage of the minutes after your shower, when your skin is even more receptive, and apply a light layer of body oil, followed by a body lotion or cream. This will help the moisturizers to penetrate,” he teaches.

hydration techniques

To help prevent dryness, it is also worth enhancing the skin’s post-bath hydration with techniques such as Moisture Sandwiching or hydration. “The moisturizing sandwich consists of applying layers of products on moist skin to retain skin hydration, prevent transepidermal water loss and improve hydration”, explains Ludmila Bonelli, cosmiatrist, specialist in dermatocosmetics and scientific director of Be Beautiful.

“To perform Moisture Sandwiching, simply apply a serum and moisturizer to moist skin, so that the ingredients in these formulations retain the water that is on the surface of the skin and keep the skin hydrated for longer. […] The thermal water can also be applied, before the serum, in a three-step hydration process, to provide some important minerals to dehydrated skin “, underlines Ludmila Bonelli.

7. Washing your hair the wrong way

Hair also deserves attention when bathing. And also a simple habit like sanitize the wires It can be harmful if not done correctly. “It is important to avoid using very high temperatures to wash your hair, as hot water can excessively remove the natural oil and protective barrier of the scalp, thus promoting dryness and itching,” explains Dr. Jaqueline Zmijevski, dermatologist of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

How to apply shampoo to hair

According to the doctor, when applying shampoo, it is recommended to focus on the scalp. The foam running down the hair is enough to clean it, there is no need to scrub it. “Applying shampoo directly to the strands can also promote dryness,” he says.

Be careful when using conditioner

Care should also be taken with the use of conditioner. “The conditioner, in turn, should not be applied to the scalp, only along the length of the hair to help replace the lipids, which is the good fat that the shampoo has removed. In this way, we promote hair alignment and frizz control. “.

By Guilherme Zanette

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Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.