Test Your Knowledge

Bathing is an essential component of good hygiene. It can cause drying and irritation, however, because it removes the skin’s natural oils. Steps to minimize dryness include:

• Bathe only once a day. In general, a daily bath or shower is all that is needed to maintain good hygiene. People with dry skin (skin lacking water) may benefit from bathing every other day. People with oily skin (skin containing excess amounts of oil), on the other hand, may benefit from bathing two times a day. In addition, people who perspire a lot, such as those who exercise regularly or live in warm or humid climates, may benefit from more frequent bathing.
  
  
• Avoid using hot water. Hot water removes additional oil during bathing. People are advised to bath in warm water instead.
  
  
• Limit bath time. Long showers and baths result in additional oil loss. People should keep their bathing time to 10 minutes or less.
  
  
• Use appropriate soaps. Choose mild, superfatted soaps (soaps that have added oils and fats). People may also benefit from using a soap substitute, such as products containing a mild synthetic detergent, or an oil mixed with a wetting agent (surfactant). These products often have less of a drying effect than deodorant or antibacterial soaps. People with sensitive skin (skin that is easily irritated) may benefit from using fragrance-free soaps or soap-free cleansers.
  
  
• Use bath oils. Bath oils are very moisturizing. As a result, adding them to a bath may help prevent dryness.
  
  
• Use soap only on certain areas. People with dry or sensitive skin may reduce dryness by using soap only on their face, underarms, genital area, hands and feet.
  
  
• Pat dry. After thoroughly rinsing the soap off, use a towel to gently pat or blot the skin dry. This will allow some moisture to remain on the skin.
  
  
• Use a moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer to the skin immediately after drying off.