Nigerians have been cautioned against frequent use of sponge to bathe, as it can strip the skin of natural oils and create micro-tears or micro-trauma in the skin.
A Consultant Dermatologist, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja,Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeifemi made the observation in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Cole-Adeifemi further stated that bathing with a sponge frequently could also introduce bacteria and other micro-organisms into the skin.
According to her, using a sponge is like exfoliating the skin, as it (skin) exfoliates itself naturally most of the time.
“A lot of people cannot have their bathes without sponges but the truth of the matter is that you actually don’t need to bathe with 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 what the mechanical abrasion of the sponge does, you don’t need to do it every day.
“Using a sponge to scrub your skin frequently can strip your skin of natural oils and create micro-tears or micro-trauma in the skin; it can introduce bacteria and other micro-organisms into the skin.
“It can also cause itchy skin. If you have itchy skin, try not to use the sponge while bathing and see if that helps,” she said.
The dermatologist advised those who feel unclean without bathing with a sponge to use it once or twice a week or at most, three times a week.
