Under the warm winter sun, Uncle Zhang and several old friends sat on the park benches and talked about their bathing experiences. "Do you know, every time I take a shower, I can rub out a lot of 'mud', and I feel that my body is completely cleaned!" Uncle Zhang said proudly. Grandma Li next to her disagreed, "I don't think those 'mud' are actually all dirty, and rubbing too hard is not good for the skin." The people around him all looked thoughtful when they heard this.
Such discussions are not uncommon in our lives. Many people believe that a lot of "mud" from a bath is the best proof of bathing, but is it really a sign of cleanliness and health? As an experienced dermatologist, I have seen countless cases of skin problems caused by misunderstandings. Today, I'm going to unravel this common but little-known mystery: does the "mud" when scrubbing in the bath really mean clean?
In this article, we'll take you through the mysteries of the skin, what the "mud" is when you scrub it, and why we've been misconceptually misleading about it. What's more, I'm going to share with you how to take a proper bath and protect your precious skin. Let's explore together, discard misconceptions, and pursue true health and cleanliness.
Is the "mud" really dirty?
When we take a bath, we often rub out something similar to "mud", which is seen by many people as direct evidence of dirty body. But what exactly is this "mud"? Is it really just dirt?
First of all, the "mud" produced during this scrubbing is mainly composed of several parts: one is the aging cells on the surface of the skin, the second is sebum and sweat, and the third is the dust and external pollutants that may be mixed. During normal metabolism, the cells on the surface of the skin naturally age and gradually fall off, which is a healthy physiological process. Sebum and sweat are secreted by the skin itself to protect the skin and regulate body temperature.
So why do we sometimes get more mud out sometimes? It actually has to do with several factors. The first is an individual's skin type, dry skin may produce less "mud", while oily skin may produce more due to more sebum production. Secondly, the frequency of cleaning is also a factor, and cleaning with longer intervals may accumulate more aging cells and sebum. Finally, environmental factors, such as dust and pollutants in the air, can also affect the amount of "mud" produced during scrubbing.
It is important to understand that this "mud" is not all dirt, but also includes products of the body's natural metabolism. Therefore, rubbing out a lot of "mud" does not necessarily mean that it is cleaner. Excessive scrubbing may cause damage to the skin, such as irritating the skin and damaging the skin barrier.
The proper way to bathe should be gentle and moderate. Using the right cleansing products to gently cleanse the skin and maintain the skin's natural barrier and healthy state is what we should aim for. For different skin types, it's also important to choose the right care product to ensure that it's both clean and doesn't hurt the skin.
When scrubbing becomes a threat to the skin - it is not only "mud" that comes out
Excessive bathing, which may seem like a thorough cleansing, can actually cause unnecessary damage to the skin. In daily life, many people pursue rubbing out a lot of "mud", thinking that this is the only way to be truly clean. But dermatologists warn that this practice can have a negative impact on skin health.
First of all, the skin is the largest organ in the human body, and its main function is to protect internal tissues from external damage and regulate body temperature. The skin's top layer has a natural protective layer made up of dead skin cells and natural oils that defend against bacteria and pollutants from the outside world. Excessive scrubbing, especially with a harsh cloth or with too much force, can damage this protective layer and damage the skin's natural barrier.
Once the skin barrier is compromised, the skin is more likely to become dry and sensitive. This dryness is not just an outward appearance problem, but can also cause itching, erythema and even inflammation. Especially for those who already have skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis, excessive bathing may exacerbate the skin condition and lead to worsening of the disease.
In addition, over-cleansing can also upset the skin's microbial balance. There are many beneficial microorganisms present in the skin that help maintain skin health and defend against pathogens. Vigorous scrubbing may remove these beneficial bacteria, which can reduce the skin's resistance and make it more susceptible to infection.
To protect the health of your skin, a gentle cleansing method is recommended. Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type and scrub with gentle pressure. Especially for sensitive skin, avoid using harsh scrubbing tools and products. Proper use of moisturizers after bathing can help restore the skin barrier and maintain the skin's health.