Baths aren't gross — but they're not great for your skin

By Kimberly Gillan|

It's relaxing, but it's also drying out your skin. (Image) iStock
Are we all really marinating in our own filth?

There's a clear divide through humanity when it comes to baths.

There are those of us who consider a good soak (preferably with a good book and a glass of red) as the epitome of relaxation.

For others, bathing is akin to "marinating in your own filth" and they'll opt for the running water of shower any day of the week.

But experts say they're probably misguided in their disgust.

"Most of us are bathing daily or every other day. Most of us are not all that dirty," Bernard Cohen, a professor of paediatric dermatology at Johns Hopkins told Slate.

If you're particularly filthy after something like a day in the garden or hiking, dermatologist Leona Yip says you might prefer to take a pre-shower to get rid of the grime or have a quick post-shower to make sure all the dirt and body wash is removed.

But while Dr Yip is not particularly concerned about bathing hygiene, she does have a bone to pick with baths.

"Heat, soap and water itself tend to irritate the skin and make it drier by stripping off the oil layer that prevents water loss from the skin," she told Coach.

"This is especially a problem in people with eczema who have a tendency to dry skin and therefore can make their eczema worse."

The best thing for your skin is a short tepid shower for no longer than four or five minutes.

"Avoid really hot showers or baths and soap-based washes that irritate and dry the skin," Dr Yip suggests.

"Use soap-free wash to clean away dirt and grime and wash this off properly from the skin. Then moisturise after a shower to replenish natural skin oils to keep it moist."

Baths are obviously not as environmentally friendly – the average bath takes 80 litres of water compared to a water shower, which uses 32 litres for a four-minute shower.

And regardless of whether you have a bath or shower, make sure you mop up the wet floor.

"Fungal infections on bare feet can spread through stagnant water on the bathroom floor," Dr Yip points out.
