3 days ago
6
A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has cautioned that frequent use of a sponge while bathing can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause micro-tears or micro-trauma.
Dr Cole-Adeife, of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.
She explained that bathing with a sponge too often could also introduce bacteria and other micro-organisms into the skin, emphasising that the skin naturally exfoliates itself.
She said, “Many people cannot bathe without a sponge, but the truth is, you don’t need to use a sponge too frequently or daily. This is because your skin exfoliates itself naturally most of the time.
“Even if you need to exfoliate your skin with a sponge, which is essentially what the mechanical abrasion of the sponge does, it’s not necessary to do it every day.
“Frequent scrubbing with a sponge can strip the skin of its natural oils, create micro-tears or micro-trauma, and introduce bacteria or other micro-organisms into the skin. It can also cause itchy skin. If you have itchy skin, try avoiding the use of a sponge during your bath and observe if it makes a difference.”
Dr Cole-Adeife advised individuals who feel unclean without using a sponge to limit its use to once or twice a week or, at most, three times a week.
“In Nigeria, we often believe that if we don’t scrub our skin thoroughly, we haven’t bathed properly. However, it’s not absolutely necessary to use a sponge daily. If you feel unclean without it, restrict its use to once or twice a week or three times at most,” she added.
NAN
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
English (US) ·