bathing
good personal hygiene is essential for overall health and wellbeing. this post surrounds regular bathing/showering, what it actually helps with and what practices you can consider.
regular bathing/showering helps prevent infections. when you wash your body, you remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can lead to skin infections or other health issues.
you should bathe/shower daily. this routine helps maintain cleanliness, remove sweat and keep skin fresh. daily bathing is especially important if you're physically active, live in a hot climate, or have a job that exposes you to dirt or pollutants.
some individuals may find it more beneficial to shower/bathe only every other day. this can work well for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. it allows the skin's natural oils to replenish without excessive drying. another group that may choose this is those that live in especially cold climates.
adjust your bathing frequency based on your activities. after intense workouts, swimming, or spending time outdoors, it is essential to wash off sweat and dirt properly.
proper hygiene helps control body odour (bo). bacteria on the skin can break down sweat and produce unpleasant smells. regular bathing keeps these bacteria in check.
accumulation of dead skin cells can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and sores. bathing helps cleanse your skin, removing these dead cells and reducing the risk of skin-related problems.
don't confuse bathing with other hygiene practices, such as washing your face or hands. these have their own importance and frequency.
so, what is the best way to bathe?
- start by running the water to an ideal temperature. dermatologists recommend lukewarm or slightly warm water for showering. avoid extremely hot water, as it can dry out your skin.
- before applying any soap, do a quick rinse to wet your skin.
- use a loofah, washcloth, or your hands to apply bar soap or body wash. begin at your neck and shoulders, then work your way down your body. don’t forget your legs and between your toes.
- if you’re washing your hair, apply shampoo to your scalp and the nape of your neck. you don’t need to apply shampoo directly to the hair ends; it will cleanse them as you rinse. a tip if you're washing your hair is to wash it before you wash your body. this can help prevent acne on the back and shoulders.
- apply conditioner to soften your hair strands, paying special attention to the ends.
- switch to lukewarm or cool water for the final rinse. this helps seal conditioner into your hair and invigorates your body.
- towel-dry slightly before applying moisturizer to your body. moisturizing right after the shower helps seal in hydration.
as humans, we don't like to admit when our habits are up to par. you must master the basics! how are you supposed to grow if you lack a strong foundation?
i hope this post was helpful.
(images are from pinterest)