Bathing all the time dries out your skin – Dr. Osazuwa

Ghanaian dermatologist Dr. Roseline Osazuwa has cautioned against excessive use of sponges while bathing, explaining that they act as exfoliators and can strip the skin of its natural oils.

“Do you know a sponge is an exfoliator? So you’re not meant to be exfoliating your skin all the time because your skin becomes dry, and you’re ripping off the little oil on your skin,” she explained during an interview on Joy Prime monitored by MyNewsGh.

According to Dr. Osazuwa, bathing twice a day is ideal. “At most, twice a day. It’s advisable to do it once a day, but twice is the best practice—morning and evening.”

She noted that for individuals who sweat a lot or visit the gym, bathing up to three times a day is acceptable, but only with water. “If you must bathe three times, don’t use a sponge more than once,” she advised.

Dr. Osazuwa also answered questions from viewers, debunking common skincare myths. She warned against applying lemon on the face, saying, “Using lemon on your face is not the best because it can rip off the oil. The skin on the face is tender, so we have to take precautions.”

On concerns about acne and eczema, she urged individuals to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

For those wondering how to determine their skin type, she explained:

• Normal skin is neither too oily nor too dry.
• Oily skin is characterized by excess oil, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Combination skin is oily in some areas and dry in others.

Dr. Osazuwa emphasized that getting enough sleep and exercising regularly also contribute to healthy skin. “More sleep gives beautiful skin. Exercise helps too,” she noted.