Question to the expert: Do frequent washing damage the skin?
Olga Lukinskaya
RESPONSES TO THE MAJORITY OF US QUESTIONS we used to search online. In the new series of materials we ask such questions: burning, unexpected or widespread - to professionals in various fields.
Water treatments that were once a luxury are now available to many, as well as a huge selection of cleansers. A shower in the morning, one more after the workout and a relaxing bath in the evening (and then a moisturizer on the whole body) became a matter of habit. But can washing be too much? Do frequent hygienic procedures lead to a constant need for moisture? Do water and soap dry skin and are antibacterial hand cleaners needed? We asked these questions to the expert.
Vera Voronina
doctor of the highest category, PhD, doctor-dermatologist of the clinic "Rassvet"
There is a clear link between raising the overall level of cleanliness and improving health. Personal hygiene (primarily hand washing) is important for the prevention of many diseases, they are called - associated with hygiene. These are intestinal infections, dental caries, parasitic invasions, fungal infections of the skin, scabies, lice, trachoma (an infectious eye disease). At the same time, it is difficult to accurately assess the contribution of personal hygiene to the reduction of infectious morbidity - other factors, including nutrition and water purification, have changed; the level of knowledge about prevention has increased. The causal link between dirty hands and the transmission of infections is one of the most well-documented facts in medicine. But recently, there are data that make us look at skin hygiene in a new way.
For many years it was believed that the surface layer of the skin (horny) creates a mechanical barrier like a film that prevents drying and protects against adverse external factors and infection. But now the understanding of the processes occurring in the skin, has changed radically. It is now known that the cells of the stratum corneum and the substances between them create a semipermeable structure in which biochemical processes are actively taking place. The whole system was combined in the concept of "epidermal barrier". The stratum corneum consists of approximately fifteen layers of cells fastened together with various substances - among them ceramides, sphingosine and components of the natural moisturizing factor are considered to be especially important.
Every day a fresh layer of cells is formed in the depth of the skin, and the superficial is separated, that is, there is a constant renewal and cleansing of the skin. The surface of human skin is populated by a huge number of microorganisms that form a sustainable community - the microbiome - and do not allow the germs to multiply. The microflora of the skin of different people is different, but it is surprisingly stable for each person. Even without washing for many days, the composition and quantity of microorganisms of the skin remains unchanged.
Washing, especially with soap, breaks the epidermal barrier - water loss increases, skin surface acidity decreases, lipids are washed out
Cleansing the skin, we strive to get rid of dead cells and pathogens. But washing does not pass without a trace for the components of the epidermal barrier and the normal microbiome. In studies, it is noted that washing, especially with soap, breaks the epidermal barrier - water loss increases, acidity of the skin surface decreases, and lipids are washed out. These lesions lead to dryness, redness and cracking of the skin. This is especially characteristic of those who often have to wash their hands because of the peculiarities of the work: during surveys among nurses and other medical personnel, at least 25% of participants reported injuries to the skin of their hands. In the experiments, redness, decrease in acidity and other damage occurred even after a single wash and persisted for several days — even after seventeen days of observation, the skin often did not completely recover.
Another important aspect is the state of microorganisms that inhabit the skin surface. Cosmetics, emollients, soaps and other hygienic products potentially contribute to the change of microflora - however, so far, the effect of these agents has not been definitely determined, because no such studies have been conducted. Damage to the epidermal barrier as a result of frequent washing can contribute to microbiome change and an increase in the number of bacteria on the skin.
As for antibacterial soap, according to the FDA, there is no evidence that, in terms of prevention of infections, it is better than ordinary soap with water. Moreover, the frequent use of antibacterial hygiene products can be dangerous if it leads to the emergence of resistant strains of microorganisms. There is evidence of the possible effects of certain antibacterial substances on the endocrine system.
So, the recommendation to wash your hands has not gone away - this is still one of the most important steps you can take to avoid infectious diseases and prevent the spread of germs. For washing hands, ordinary soap and water are enough. There is no standard recommendation for everyone to cleanse the skin of the body, but it is worth remembering that the epidermal barrier should be better protected. Water should be warm, not hot, too long to stay in it is not worth it. Instead of liquid soap or shower gel, it is better to use oils or syndets. (synthetic detergents with a pH that is optimal for the skin. - Approx. Ed.). It is better not to rub the skin with a towel, but gently soak it, and if it is dry, use moisturizers and emollients.
Photo: andreysafonov - stock.adobe.com, kolesnikovserg - stock.adobe.com