Avoid or continue taking daily bath in winter? Know the opinion of doctors and science

The biggest question in the cold winter morning is whether to take a bath today or not. In cold weather, it seems difficult to leave the bed, in such a situation taking bath is no less than a challenge. Many people take bath every day due to family pressure or habit, but is it good for health and skin? Scientific research and opinion of dermatologists on this question indicate something different.

It is not mandatory to take bath every day in winter

According to experts, it is not mandatory to take bath every day in winter. There are solid scientific reasons behind this, which are important to understand. There is a layer of natural oils on our skin, which provides it with moisture and protects it from external infections. In cold weather the air is already dry, so frequent use of hot water and soap can damage this natural protective layer. This can cause the skin to become extremely dry and increase problems like itching, burning, cracking or eczema.

Apart from this, some beneficial bacteria are also present on our skin, which protect the body from harmful germs. Daily bathing and excessive rubbing can reduce these good bacteria, due to which there is a risk of weakening the skin’s immunity.

If you take bath in winter then it is important to pay special attention to the temperature of water and duration of bath. Doctors say that too hot water is harmful for the skin. In winter, bathing with lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes is considered sufficient. Prolonged exposure to hot water can further dry out the skin.

Don’t ignore cleanliness in winter

This does not mean at all that cleanliness should be ignored in winter. In a country like India, cleanliness is very important due to pollution, dust and sweat. If you do not want to take a full bath every day, then make sure to clean those parts of the body daily where sweat and bacteria accumulate, such as face, neck, armpits and feet.

According to skin experts, taking bath every other day in winter i.e. “Alternate Day Bath” can be a better option for the skin. Also, it is important to apply moisturizer, oil or lotion immediately after bathing so that the skin remains moisturized.

Ultimately, bathing daily in winter is not your compulsion, but depends on your skin type and personal preference. If your skin remains very dry, then avoiding bathing every day can prove beneficial for your health.