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"Bathing is more than just a matter of cleanliness for you, especially after the age of 60." At a health talk held at the community center, Dr. Li told the elderly friends in the audience.
After the lecture, Sun Weiguo realized that his lifestyle habits might hide many health risks, and decided to go to the hospital for a comprehensive physical examination.
Sun Weiguo, a retired librarian, has a routine that is as regular as his profession, despite his seemingly quiet appearance.
For him, the daily bath is a time of relaxation and enjoyment. However, it never occurred to him that such daily activities also needed to be carried out in a scientific way.
At the hospital, Dr. Li gave a detailed interpretation of Sun Weiguo's examination results, and at the same time gave four special precautions for his bathing habits:
1. The water temperature should not be too high.
Excessive water temperature will cause the oil on the surface of the skin to be over-washed away, which will easily cause dry skin and accelerate aging in the long run.
The appropriate water temperature should be maintained between 38°C and 40°C.
Sun Weiguo used to use hotter water for bathing, especially in winter, believing that it would better keep warm from the cold, but in fact this habit had a negative effect on the protective film of the skin.
2. The bathing time should not be too long.
Taking a bath for too long will keep the skin moist for a long time, which can easily soften the stratum corneum of the skin, reduce the barrier function of the skin, and increase the risk of infection.
It is recommended to take a bath within 15 minutes.
3. Pay attention to the heat preservation after bathing.
Older people have a weaker thermoregulation and should quickly dry themselves after bathing and wear warm clothing, especially in winter.
This avoids colds or other circulatory illnesses caused by a sudden drop in body temperature.
Fourth, the frequency of bathing is moderate.
For older people, once a day may be too frequent, especially if they have drier skin.
The appropriate frequency should be adjusted according to the individual's skin condition, and it is generally recommended to wash it once every 2-3 days.
These specific suggestions were a novelty for Sun Weiguo, who had never realized that bathing, a seemingly simple daily activity, could contain so much knowledge.
Dr. Lee further explained that these seemingly common sense bathing techniques are actually based on a large amount of data and scientific research.
For example, recommendations on water temperature and bath time are based on studies of skin physiology.
Excessive heat or too long a bathing time can cause damage to the lipid layer on the surface of the skin, which can increase the incidence of skin diseases.
Next, Dr. Li shared some specific patient cases to deepen Sun Weiguo's understanding of these bathing precautions.
An elderly patient had dry skin and severe eczema due to prolonged bathing in hot water;
Another elderly man was admitted to the hospital because he did not keep warm in time after taking a bath, and as a result, he caught a cold and fever.
These practical examples made Sun Weiguo deeply realize that even the most ordinary behaviors in daily life should be treated scientifically.
He thanked Dr. Lee for his careful guidance and decided to adjust his bathing routine when he returned home.
At the end of the article, a question about the content of the article is raised: if the peculiarities of the skin of the elderly are taken into account, what type of bath products are most suitable to use?
In this regard, the composition and function of different bath products can be analyzed in detail.
Older people have more dry and sensitive skin, so bath products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are recommended to help keep the skin hydrated and reduce the feeling of dryness after bathing.
At the same time, products containing harsh chemicals such as sulfates (SLS) and certain fragrances should be avoided, as these ingredients may cause damage to the skin, trigger itching or other discomfort.
When choosing bath products, it's best to look for soap-free, hypoallergenic formulas that are gentler and more suitable for skin care in the elderly.
What are your thoughts on this? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!