Bathing is an extremely common practice every day yet a very few people practice it with consciousness. Bathing is a routine to most individuals; they do it unconsciously either in the morning or evening. Nevertheless, the application of bathing directly and long-term affects the health of the skin. Daily habits tend to cause problems of dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and uneven texture, as opposed to immediate causes. The knowledge of the effect of the bathing habits on the skin will be the initial step on the long-term comfort and balance.

Water temperature is one of the least considered aspects in bathing. Hot water can be very comforting and soothing and on the other hand, very brutal on the skin, particularly when one has had a long day. The natural oils which shield the skin barrier are dissolved in high temperatures. This occurs when this is repeated and therefore the skin becomes unable to hold any moisture, leaving the skin tight and dry. Lukewarm water is not as luxurious, but it is much more healthy on the skin, and it enhances the natural defense of the skin.

The other important habit is time taken bathing. The duration of the shower or bathes can be extended exposing the skin to water, thereby making the skin weak at its outer layer. However, soaking may appear to be harmless, but the long-term exposure deprives the oils and destabilizes the skin. Minimal and effective bathing times allow minimizing the unjustified stress on the skin and preserving the proper level of hygiene.

Another significant factor in skin health is the use of soaps per se. The common idea is that the more one uses more soap the greater the level of cleanliness will be achieved. As a matter of fact, overuse of soap may destroy the skin barrier particularly when soaps are composed of strong cleansing agents. The skin does not even have to be completely stripped of the oil to be clean. A little bit of well made soap used considerately is sufficient. Excess man-cleaning causes irritation and dryness with subsequent sensitivity.

Bathing frequency is also an issue. Bathing of the skin on a daily basis is not problematic, however, multiple bathing, particularly using a soap, could be damaging to some types of skin. Limiting the application of soap to essential parts of the body instead of the entire body may help the skin condition of the patient who experiences dry and sensitive skin. Awareness enables one to change routines depending on the skin needs but not upon pre-established habits.

The other point that is neglected is the application of soap. Roughness of the skin can be micro-abrated using harsh scrubbing with loofahs, brushes or rough sponges. These minuscule tears destroy the skin barrier and predispose the skin to irritation. Friction is minimized through gentle hand use or soft clothware which benefits healthy skin in the long run.

It is also important to dry up after a bath. When rubbing the skin against towels, one will be irritating the skin and will be depriving the skin of its remaining oils. Friction is reduced by rubbing the skin rather than patting it. Using moisturizer when the skin is slightly moist assists the skin to capture water and also aid in skin plastics.

There are also environmental reasons that play with the bathing habits. Hard water has a lot of minerals that may leave a trace on the skin, and aggravate the problem of dryness. Gentler soaps and appropriate moisturizing are even more significant in such situations. Seasons also affect bathing requirements, cold weather tends to make people drier whilst hot weather may raise sweating and cleansing requirements.

Bathing is not merely a process of getting dirty off the skin, but a daily contact with natural processes of the skin. When the act of taking a bath is taken thoughtfully and not as a routine act, it becomes a helpful tool instead of an agent of harm. These little changes can be introduced into the shower in water temperature, use of soap, length of time and after-bath attention, which may make a huge difference in skin comfort with time.

After all, there is no expensive product that brings healthy skin. It is sustained in daily practices that are conscious and diligent. Bathing awareness is a step to changing a simple routine into a long-term skin health and self-esteem.