The Science of Bathing: Shower Daily or Once a Week? When Should You Avoid Bathing?

The Science of Bathing: Shower Daily or Once a Week? When Should You Avoid Bathing?Bathing is a common daily routine, but have you ever wondered if showering daily or once a week is healthier? When should you avoid bathing? Can bathing reveal your health condition? Let's delve into the world of bathing.I

The Science of Bathing: Shower Daily or Once a Week? When Should You Avoid Bathing?

Bathing is a common daily routine, but have you ever wondered if showering daily or once a week is healthier? When should you avoid bathing? Can bathing reveal your health condition? Let's delve into the world of bathing.

I. Can You Skip Showering If You Don't Sweat? How Often Should You Shower?

Our skin is covered with millions of sweat glands. Even when we don't feel sweaty, our bodies are silently engaging in "insensible perspiration." Even without excessive sweating, our skin comes into contact with dust, dirt, and pollutants in the air, which can accumulate on the skin, leading to bacteria, oil production, and dead skin cells. Over time, these can clog pores and trigger skin problems.

To maintain healthy skin, it's recommended to shower at least once a day, even in the summer when you don't feel sweaty.

Regarding the ideal showering frequency, there's no universal answer. People in different regions have different bathing habits. The Chinese Medical Doctor Association's Dermatology Branch published the "Chinese Skin Cleaning Guidelines," suggesting that showering every 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient. However, showering daily may be healthier during extremely hot summers or when you frequently engage in strenuous activities that cause sweating.

II. If You Don't Experience These 5 Symptoms After Showering, You're Likely Healthy

Bathing can also reflect our health status. If you don't experience the following after showering, congratulations, your body is probably healthy!

1. Dizziness or lightheadedness: The higher temperature in the bathroom during showering can cause a drop in blood pressure or affect blood circulation, leading to dizziness or blurred vision. Be vigilant about blood pressure control issues.

2. Palpitations, chest pain: Chest pain after showering could be related to coronary heart disease, angina, pleurisy, chest bone, or membrane disorders. For individuals with coronary heart disease, showering increases body temperature, dilates blood vessels, and may reduce blood supply to the heart muscle, causing chest pain.

3. Shortness of breath: Feeling short of breath or difficulty breathing in the bathroom should raise concerns about respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms.

4. Skin rashes or itching: Skin rashes or itching after showering could indicate an allergy to bath products or skin problems such as eczema or dermatitis.

5. Body weakness: Feeling unusually weak or tired after showering could be a sign of anemia, thyroid problems, or other chronic diseases.

III. Over 60? Avoid Showering at These 3 Times

Bathing is a simple routine, but choosing the right time is crucial. Especially for older adults, pay attention to the following three times when bathing is not recommended:

1. On an empty stomach: Showering on an empty stomach, especially in a hot environment, can lead to rapid energy expenditure and increased metabolism, making you more susceptible to hypoglycemia. This can result in dizziness, palpitations, nausea, weakness in limbs, and other discomforts. In severe cases, it can even cause dizziness and falls, leading to accidents. It's advisable to eat something before showering.

2. Before bed: Showering before bed can leave your body in a slightly excited state, making it difficult to fall asleep immediately. It's best to avoid showering right before bedtime. According to a study published in the journal "Sleep Medicine Reviews," showering 1 to 2 hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep 10 minutes faster on average. Using water around 40C to 42.5C for showering is most effective, as this temperature can promote better sleep and improve sleep quality.

3. Before or after massage: During showering, hot water increases blood flow to the skin surface. Massage also temporarily increases blood flow to the skin. This can lead to insufficient blood and oxygen supply to internal organs, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, and even fainting.

Overall, older adults should avoid these three risky times for showering, choose the right method based on their needs, and shower scientifically to protect their skin and maintain good health.

References:

[1] "Don't Make Mistakes! These 6 Situations to Avoid Bathing." Yangcheng Evening News Lingnan Famous Doctors. 2023-07-31

[2] "Doctor's Reminder: Pay Attention to These Bathing Times, They Are Dangerous!" Health Times. 2023-05-15

[3] "Is It Better to Shower at Night or in the Morning? These 3 Times Are Best to Avoid Showering!" Tencent Medical Encyclopedia. 2023-03-14

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