Less can actually be more when it comes to personal hygiene
For many people, taking a shower in the morning is simply part of how they start their day. But is a daily shower actually good for your skin? You can find out all about it in our health tip.
Daily hand-washing (see health tip "Washing your hands properly") has become part of everyday life, not least since the coronavirus pandemic, and is indisputably necessary. But whether you should you also take a long shower every morning is another question altogether. Many people consider a daily all-over wash essential. Others warn against it and say that too much washing is bad for you. The fact is that washing not only cleans the skin but also stresses it.
You can find useful information about skin care in the health tip: Taking care of dry skin
29.09.2021
How often is too often?
Unfortunately, there's no simple answer to this question. It all depends on your skin type. From a dermatological point of view, treating yourself to a shower every morning doesn't harm healthy skin. However, repeated or excessive washing should be avoided, as this can damage the skin's protective layer, known as the acid mantle. This fine outer layer protects the skin against external environmental factors. If the skin is exposed to warm water or shower gel for too long, it softens and dries out more quickly, which can lead to itching and redness.Showering correctly
First and foremost, make sure that you don't shower too hot or for too long. The correct water temperature is about 35°C. There are also several different types of shower gel. Some people deliberately don't use shower gel at all or only use it on specific parts of their body. Others can't do without the lovely scents which many gels contain. It's best for these people to use a soap or shower gel which has the same pH value as the skin (about 5.5) and which, if possible, is lipid-replenishing. After washing, it's a good idea to apply a moisturising lotion to the body.You can find useful information about skin care in the health tip: Taking care of dry skin
santé24 – your Swiss telemedicine service
Medical help around the clock: The doctors and medical specialists at santé24 are there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to answer questions relating to prevention, illness, accident and maternity. Advice is free of charge to SWICA customers.29.09.2021
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
