Comment s'essuyer la peau du corps ?

How to wipe your body skin?

The drying stage should not be taken lightly to avoid drying out and irritating the skin. With what and how should one wipe the skin? Here are all our tips for properly wiping the body.

Summary
Published September 13, 2021, updated on February 22, 2024, by Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min read

The drying step: how to properly dry your body after a shower?

As soon as you step out of the shower, you can't resist the urge to briskly rub your skin dry with a towel to remove excess water. However, it is recommended to avoid this harmful habit that can damage your skin.

Indeed, this vigorous rubbing strips the skin even more. However, weakened by heat, cleansing products, and hard water, your skin actually needs gentleness. That's why it's generally recommended to dry yourself by gently patting your towel on your body. However, this method has been criticized because the skin remains damp. This makes it vulnerable, and bacteria and mold can grow and multiply more easily.

As such, it is recommended to start by dabbing with gentle pressure to absorb as much water as possible, then dry the still damp areas, without rubbing. Pay special attention to your feet, thoroughly drying the spaces between your toes. Indeed, improper drying in this area promotes bad odors, and the emergence of fungi and small infections. Besides the feet, the back, often covered in sweat and clothing, and the navel, delicate skin, are areas often overlooked, even though they are rich in bacteria.

In all instances, avoid using rough materials. Indeed, by drying yourself with them, you will not only promote the elimination of beneficial bacteria present on the surface (skin microbiota), but also accentuate the appearance of micro-cracks, which are entry points for infections.

Once this process is completed, make it a habit to moisturize your entire body after showering with a body moisturizing cream that is suitable for your skin's needs. Indeed, tap water, which is rich in limestone, weakens the epidermis, making the skin more reactive and sensitive. In addition to restoring the skin's hydrolipidic film to protect it from dehydration and external aggressions, moisturizing with a suitable care product will help soothe any potential irritations, redness, and tightness that may occur after showering.

Source:

  • VOEGELI D. & al. The effect of washing and drying practices on skin barrier function. Journal of Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing (2008).

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