Is it healthier to take baths or showers?
Everyone, it seems, is divided into one of two camps – either they think showers are the best way to get clean, or they swear by soaking in the bath. Which way of getting clean is the best for your skin and your health overall? Katie Whiten, PA, answered a few common questions about baths, showers and the best way to keep yourself clean.
What’s healthier, baths or showers?
“While both options help you get and stay clean, I recommend showers over baths and would say not to soak in water for long periods of time,” said Whiten.
Showers are considered more hygienic, since they don’t involve your skin remaining in contact with everything you wash off of it like a bath does, and showering is more environmentally friendly, too – according to the Environmental Protection Agency, a full bathtub can require up to 70 gallons of water to fill, while a 15-minute shower needs much less.
That isn’t say bathing doesn’t have its benefits. There’s nothing like a good bath to help you feel more relaxed at the end of a rough day. Just make sure you spend a few minutes rinsing off in the shower first, to keep things clean and still get a good soak.
How often should you bathe?
“Daily baths can dry out skin and remove a lot of its natural oils,” said Whiten. “Very hot water is more likely to dry out skin, so if you’re a fan of daily baths, use warm water that isn’t quite hot.”
Whiten noted that baths are often a great way to soothe sore muscles after exercise.
Are bubble baths, bath bombs and bath salts safe to use?
“While bubble baths and bath bombs can be a fun and fragrant addition to your bath, strong scents can cause irritation to the skin,” said Whiten. “Unscented soaps are generally the best.”
Epsom salts can be helpful for those looking to soothe painful muscles or arthritic joints, but they aren’t recommended if you have kidney or heart disease or are pregnant.
Should you use a fresh clean towel every day?
“Regular washing of your towels is absolutely important when it comes to maintaining good hygiene,” said Whiten. “Towels left damp for too long can be prone to developing a musty smell or even mildew. Make sure you’re using clean, fresh towels to dry off after your shower or bath or if you take a swim.”
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