Washing Like This Every Day? "Never Do It"?This Habit Can Ruin Your Skin

Experts have warned that the habit of scrubbing the entire body with soap lather during showers, which many believe is good for skin health, can actually damage the skin. Although it may seem like a minor routine, if repeated, it can disrupt the skin barrier and the balance of beneficial bacteria, so caution is advised.

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Complex Shower Routines Can Burden the Skin

HealthDay News, a U.S. health media outlet, recently warned that the "complex shower routines" spreading on social media may negatively affect skin health. Double cleansing, frequent exfoliation, and the use of strongly scented body washes are being promoted as skincare secrets, but in reality, they can weaken the skin's defense mechanisms.

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Where Soap Is Actually Needed

Experts commonly agree that the areas where soap is truly necessary are limited. These include the armpits, groin and genital area, around the anus, under the breasts in women, between the toes, behind the ears, and the navel-places where sweat and secretions accumulate easily and ventilation is poor.

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Excessive Cleansing Breaks Down the Skin Barrier

The stratum corneum on the skin’s surface protects against external irritation and helps retain moisture. However, excessive use of surfactants or alkaline soaps can damage the lipids that fill the spaces between skin cells. This increases moisture loss and raises the risk of dryness or inflammation.

Furthermore, overusing soap can disrupt the balance of the "skin microbiome," which protects the skin. Repeated cleansing with strong antibacterial products can remove not only harmful germs but also beneficial bacteria from the skin.

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Showering Two to Three Times a Week Is Enough... Moisturizing Is Key

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that unless there is heavy contamination, showering two to three times a week is sufficient. In particular, minimizing soap use on the arms and legs, where there are fewer sebaceous glands, can help prevent itching in older adults.