Showers Vs Baths: Which Is Better?
Showers and baths are both amazing in their own right, but does one trump the other when it comes to skin health and overall hygiene? Read on to find out.
WHAT GETS YOU CLEANER, SHOWERS OR BATHS?
If you're after an unparalleled cleanse in your daily washing routine, showers reign supreme over baths. This is because showers evenly distribute clean water over the entire surface of the body, using water pressure to eradicate dirt and debris from the skin. Soap or body cleanser dissolves sweat and oils that have bonded to the skin. The grimey run-off immediately washes down the drain, never to be seen again. When you take a bath, however, you stay immersed in the water for a longer period of time. While it's nothing to be alarmed about, showers are the better option for a deeper clean.
WHAT IS BETTER FOR SHAVING, SHOWERS OR BATHS?
To achieve a smooth and clean shave, it's important to let the skin soften before going in with your RAZOR. We always recommend spending at least a few minutes allowing the steam and condensation of your shower, or warm water of your bath, to gradually encourage your pores to open. This both softens the hair, making it easier to remove, and reduces the likelihood of INGROWN HAIRS and RAZOR BURN. Shaving in the shower is perfectly fine and practical, but we have found that we're able to get an even smoother and cleaner result if we shave in the bath. It can also be more comfortable for some people to shave in the bath, as those hard-to-reach places can be easier to access.
WHAT IS BETTER FOR THE SKIN'S PH LEVELS, SHOWERS OR BATHS?
It’s crucial to maintain a BALANCED PH LEVEL to support your SKIN'S BARRIER FUNCTION, which keeps the ‘good stuff’ (moisture) in and the ‘bad stuff' (pollutants) out. If your skin’s pH balance is too alkaline, the skin might become dry, flaky and red. If your skin’s pH balance is too acidic, the chances of experiencing skin inflammation and infection, acne, eczema and rosacea increase. Soaking in hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. For this reason, lukewarm showers are the most pH-friendly option. It's also wise to use pH-balanced BODY CARE PRODUCTS (like ours!) so that your skin stays happy, healthy and hydrated all throughout the day.
WHAT IS BETTER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, SHOWERS OR BATHS?
Soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath can help to alleviate symptoms of ECZEMA and psoriasis, but generally showers are best for those with sensitive skin. Baths can aggravate inflamed skin due to prolonged contact with irritants in the bath water, plus hot bath water can exacerbate dryness and tenderness.
WHAT IS BEST FOR MOOD, SHOWERS OR BATHS?
Both showers and baths can boost our mood. Taking a cold shower or plunging into a cold bath can trigger the release of endorphins, while warm showers or baths can relieve muscle tension and help to promote better SLEEP.