A Consultant Dermatologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has cautioned against the frequent use of sponges during bathing, citing potential harm to the skin.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Dr. Cole-Adeife explained that excessive use of sponges could strip the skin of its natural oils, cause micro-tears or micro-trauma, and introduce bacteria and other microorganisms into the skin.
“Using a sponge is similar to exfoliating the skin, which the skin does naturally most of the time,” she said.
While acknowledging that many people consider sponges essential for bathing, the dermatologist emphasized moderation. “The truth is, you don’t need to bathe with a sponge too frequently or daily. Your skin naturally exfoliates itself most of the time. Even if exfoliation is necessary, which is what the mechanical action of a sponge provides, it shouldn’t be done every day,” she noted.
Dr. Cole-Adeife added that frequent scrubbing with sponges could result in itchy skin. “If you experience itchy skin, try avoiding the use of a sponge while bathing and observe if the condition improves,” she advised.
For individuals who feel unclean without using a sponge, she recommended limiting its use to one to three times a week. “In Nigeria, there’s a common belief that if the skin isn’t scrubbed squeaky clean, the bath isn’t complete. However, it’s not absolutely necessary to use a sponge daily. If you must, restrict it to once or twice a week, or at most, three times a week,” she said.
Dr. Cole-Adeife urged Nigerians to adopt more skin-friendly bathing practices to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of skin damage.
