Dermatologist Warns Against Frequent Sponge Use for Healthy Skin
Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, a Consultant Dermatologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, has cautioned against the frequent use of sponges during bathing, stating that it can be harmful to the skin. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, she explained that overusing a sponge can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to micro-tears, which may cause irritation or micro-trauma.
According to Dr. Cole-Adeife, the skin has a natural ability to exfoliate itself, and frequent scrubbing with a sponge is unnecessary. She emphasized that the mechanical abrasion caused by a sponge is not essential for daily skin care, and daily use could potentially introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms into the skin, causing issues like itching.
“Many people believe they can’t bathe properly without using a sponge, but the truth is, your skin exfoliates itself naturally most of the time,” she explained. “Frequent scrubbing can also lead to itchy skin, so if you’re experiencing itching, try avoiding the sponge and see if it helps.”
For those who feel unclean without using a sponge, Dr. Cole-Adeife recommended limiting its use to once or twice a week, or at most, three times a week. She also noted that in Nigeria, there’s a common belief that thorough scrubbing is necessary for proper bathing, but she reassured that it is not essential to use a sponge every day.