Social media influencers praise the multi-step bath method, but experts warn it's damaging to the skin - Photo: TikTok/@elysian.living/@ashley.paiige
On social networks TikTok and Instagram, a series of videos showing off elaborate bathing routines are attracting millions of views, with steps such as daily exfoliation, using antibacterial soap, double cleansing, using nourishing oils, creams, and dozens of products with seductive scents.
However, dermatologists warn that the "fancy" bathing method that is spreading is not only wasteful but also potentially harmful to the skin and the environment.
Olga Bunimovich, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has concerns about these bathing routines. According to experts, a healthy bathing routine is actually quite simple: warm water, mild, unscented soap, and a layer of moisturizer or oil after bathing.
"Your skin is your biggest protective barrier. It needs to be properly cared for, and sometimes too much of a good thing is not a good thing," explains dermatologist Nicole Negbenebor, MD, of the University of Iowa Medical Center.
Bathing for too long, using hot water or using strong soaps can wash away the natural oils on the skin, making the skin dry, easily irritated and losing its ability to protect itself. In particular, antibacterial soaps, although popular with many people, are unnecessary for normal people and can cause peeling and cracking of the skin if used daily.
Another popular trend is “double cleansing” – a two-step cleansing with oil and water – which is fine for the face with makeup but is being applied incorrectly to the body. Doctors warn that this is completely unnecessary.
"Not only do I feel people don't need to shower twice, but they also shouldn't overdo it with soap. You don't need to rub soap all over your body," Dr. Bunimovich stressed.
According to Dr. Bunimovich, just clean the areas that really need it, such as the armpits, feet, genitals, and skin folds, and let the rest of the area be washed away with water.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but overdoing it—especially on sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin—can cause irritation, rashes, or breakouts. Products containing mild acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid may be a friendlier option, but they shouldn’t be used every day. Also, avoid harsh scrubs, hard loofahs, or harsh scrubbing.
Not only is showering for long periods of time bad for your skin, but using too many products can also be bad for the environment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), showering accounts for about 17% of the water used in each household. As many states in the US are urging people to conserve water due to drought, reducing shower time is becoming a practical way to protect resources.
VNA
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tam-qua-lau-qua-sach-coi-chung-lai-hai-chinh-minh-20250714210838611.htm
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