On the path to physical cleanness and health, anti-bacterial showers become frequent in many bathrooms. Many believe that antibacterial showers wash not only the dirt on the skin surface, but also deep-seated pores and remove all bacteria from their roots. This, however, seems to be a good idea, and it is a profound mistake.
The main ingredients of antibacterial ablution typically include surfactants, antibacterials and some spices and wetting agents. The surfactant is responsible for the removal of stains such as grease and dust from the skin surface, like a hard-working little cleaner, so that the skin can recover. Antibacterial agents, on the other hand, perform the task of inhibiting the growth of bacteria, with the common presence of trichlorfon, benzo-polymmonium and other chemicals, which reduce the number of bacteria on the skin surface by destroying the cell membranes of bacteria or disrupting their metabolic processes.
But the phrase “deeply clean and kill all bacteria” is untenable. Our pores are a small and complex structure with a certain self-regulation and protection mechanism in their internal environment. While the components in the antibacterial showers can clean some of the stains near the mouth of the pores, it is almost impossible to do the task of cleaning in all directions deep inside the pores. The pores may contain substances such as fatty, aging horny cells, which form a relatively stable ecological environment and where antibacterial bathing is difficult to penetrate and reach the depth of the pores to function.
From an antibacterial point of view, bacteria are numerous and resilient. There is naturally a large number of bacteria on the skin surface, including good and harmful bacteria, which together form a skin microbial community and maintain a delicate balance. Although antibacterial ablution may have some inhibition effect on certain common harmful bacteria, such as yellow grapes, coliform, etc., the antibacterial effect is significantly reduced for some antibacterial bacteria or bacteria hidden deep in skin wrinkles and pellets. Moreover, overuse of antibacteria to bathe in an attempt to eliminate all bacteria may destroy the micro-ecological balance of the skin and give harmful bacteria that are otherwise subject to beneficial bacterial inhibition the opportunity to breed in large numbers, causing skin inflammation, allergy, etc.
In addition, the long and frequent use of antibacterial showers may lead to other hazards. Some antibacterial components, such as trichlorfon, have attracted scientific attention. Long-term exposure to products containing trichlorfon has been found to interfere with the endocrine system in humans, with potential effects on organs such as thyroid, and thus on metabolism and growth in humans. At the same time, over-cleaning and antibacterial resistance weakens the skin ‘ s own barrier function, making it more sensitive and vulnerable to external irritation, such as drying, itching and red-haired symptoms.
We should understand the role of antibacterial bathing. It can serve as an aid to the daily clean skin, helping us to remove the dirt and some bacteria from the skin surface and to keep our bodies clean and comfortable. But do not exaggerate their cleanness and antibacterial capability, let alone be seen as a magic weapon for deep, clean pores and the elimination of all bacteria. In the use of antibacterial ablution, the principle of proportionality is followed to avoid overdependence and to maintain the health of the skin in combination with other healthy lifestyles, such as a reasonable diet, adequate sleep and appropriate exercise. Only in this way will we be able to clean our bodies while truly caring for our skins, away from the potential harm of misconceptions.
