"Even urine is water-soluble": Dermatologist explains why you can only shower with water - without soap

Created: 09/14/2022, 8:30 p.m

By: Juliane Gutmann

Just leave out shower gel and shampoo?

Some people just let water touch their skin.

A dermatologist explains whether you really get clean.

Over-grooming increases the risk of skin diseases.

Make-up, for example, clogs the pores and thus promotes pimples and the so-called stewardess disease.

Too frequent showering and soaping attacks the skin's natural protective acid mantle, which protects it from foreign substances and pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

So it's best to just let water touch your skin and nothing else?

For many an unrealistic idea.

Because you only get really clean with shower gel or other cleaning products - right?

dermatologist dr.

medical

Yael Adler denies this.

In an interview with the radio network SWR3, she explains: "You can absolutely only shower with water, everything that has to go goes away, from dust to sweat to dead skin cells.

Even urine is water soluble."

Do you only shower with water?

This is even beneficial for the skin and the environment.

© Christian Ender/Imago

Showering with washing gel: which products are the right ones?

Showering without soap, shower gel or shampoo can be very useful for people with sensitive skin or people with skin diseases such as neurodermatitis.

Because the lack of contact with washing-active substances allows the skin to regenerate and the natural skin barrier remains intact.

It is this that, among other things, keeps the moisture balance in balance and protects against dehydration.

Can't do without your favorite wash gel?

Then, according to dermatologist Adler, you should use a synthetic surfactant.

"It's also available in health food stores based on sugar and coconut surfactants with an acidic pH value of around 5 - i.e. strengthening the protective acid mantle.

These surfactants just mentioned are also not as strong degreasing.

You should avoid fragrances, dyes, preservatives, foam and glitter because they damage your skin when you shower,” says the skin expert.

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You should not lather yourself completely, says Yael Adler: "And if you then use a washing substance, it is best to use it sparingly on areas that may be sweaty, such as armpits, groins, bottom folds and feet, and the rest really only with water".

Important: Do not set the water too hot.

Because a hot shower irritates the skin and puts a strain on your wallet.