Can my skin really self-clean?! Ideal tips to washing your face and body.

Advanced Dermatology, PC › Blog › Can my skin really self-clean?! Ideal tips to washing your face and body.
Woman washing head photo


Spring is winking at us through the bleak, cold days of winter, but icy temperatures are still rattling in our bones. Winter’s breath leaves an indelible impression in the form of dry, itchy and reddened skin. In attempts to momentarily seek refuge from this chilling reminder, we immerse ourselves in tepid water and embrace solace in the form of long, hot showers. Though these brief escapes feel amazing, the chemicals which flow through our water supply wreak havoc on our sensitive skin. Luckily, our body remarkably withholds its own secret: the innate ability to cleanse itself.

Facts About How Often Your Face/Body Should Be Washed
Due to the high concentrations of chlorine in water, lengthy showers produce an unhealthy drying effect which irritates your supple skin. Soapy showers and bubbling baths feel amazing, but deplete our bodies of vital bacteria which protect us from infection. Mother Nature has a few tricks up her sleeve to help you stay clean without harsh soaps and a chemically infused water supply. Logically speaking, your body doesn’t require daily cleansing and let’s face it, our water bills would appreciate the self-restraint. While our faces should be gently cleansed twice a day, showers can certainly be shortened to several times a week.

Facts About How Skin Can Clean Itself
Your body naturally creates essential nutrients, barriers and lubricants to protect the skin’s intricate layers. Maybe you perceive the after shower tight skin feel to mean squeaky clean, but it actually means your skin is being starved of vital nutrients. Frequent showers reduce the skin’s base level of nutrients and can result in irritation, pimples, discoloration, dry skin or eczema. Your skin is a living, breathing organ which utilizes pores and biology to create and dispel essential bacteria. When robbed of topical oils via chemical ridden soaps or water, the body isn’t quite sure how to respond. As a result, the skin may overcompensate by producing excess oils, which can lead to clogged pores and an increased risk of breakouts that require acne treatment.

Managing Skin’s Oils Without Overdrying
We all have basic hygienic needs, but showering once a day simply isn’t one of them. If you absolutely must soothe yourself with a soak daily, try a luke-warm oil bath to lock in the moisture without zapping out nutrients. Unless you’ve been out running a marathon, showering tri-weekly is efficient. Be sure to adequately moisturize after each shower to protect your skin from the harsh elements. Skin rejuvenation treatment might be necessary for overdried skin.

Why choose Advanced Dermatology, PC
We can help you attain the skin-care goals you’ve been searching for. Our expert team of dermatologists utilize cutting-edge research, years of training and advanced equipment to provide you with solutions for all skin types. With Advanced Dermatology, each patient can achieve the best skin of their lifetime. Please contact our clinical team today for your complimentary dermatological consultation.

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