A consultant dermatologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has advised against the frequent use of sponges for bathing, noting that it can harm the skin.
Speaking in an interview in Lagos on Monday, Dr. Cole-Adeife explained that regular scrubbing with a sponge can strip the skin of its natural oils, cause micro-tears, and potentially introduce bacteria and other micro-organisms.
“Using a sponge to scrub your skin frequently can strip your skin of natural oils, create micro-tears, and lead to micro-trauma. It can also introduce bacteria into the skin and even cause itching. If you have itchy skin, consider avoiding the use of a sponge while bathing to see if it helps,” she said.
She noted that the skin has a natural process of exfoliation, making daily sponge use unnecessary for most people.
“Many people feel they cannot bathe without a sponge, but the truth is that frequent use is not needed. Your skin exfoliates itself naturally. If you need to exfoliate with a sponge, the mechanical abrasion it provides doesn’t have to be done daily,” Dr. Cole-Adeife explained.
For those who feel unclean without using a sponge, she suggested limiting its use to once or twice a week, or at most three times.
“In Nigeria, there’s a cultural belief that we must scrub our skin squeaky clean during every bath. However, it is not necessary to use a sponge every day. If you feel you must, try limiting it to a few times a week,” she advised.
Dr. Cole-Adeife’s comments aim to promote healthier skin practices and reduce the risk of skin irritation and infections associated with over-scrubbing.
, Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has advised against the frequent use of sponges for bathing, noting that it can harm the skin.){kind=link}