Healthy skin doesn’t require daily sponge use – Dermatologist

PUNCH

A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has cautioned that frequent use of a sponge while bathing can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause micro-tears or micro-trauma.

Dr Cole-Adeife, of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.

She explained that bathing with a sponge too often could also introduce bacteria and other micro-organisms into the skin, emphasising that the skin naturally exfoliates itself.

She said, “Many people cannot bathe without a sponge, but the truth is, you don’t need to use a sponge too frequently or daily. This is because your skin exfoliates itself naturally most of the time.

“Even if you need to exfoliate your skin with a sponge, which is essentially what the mechanical abrasion of the sponge does, it’s not necessary to do it every day.

“Frequent scrubbing with a sponge can strip the skin of its natural oils, create micro-tears or micro-trauma, and introduce bacteria or other micro-organisms into the skin. It can also cause itchy skin. If you have itchy skin, try avoiding the use of a sponge during your bath and observe if it makes a difference.”