Recently, a "correct bathing sequence" has gone viral on Weibo: wash your face first, then your body, and finally your hair. This is because low winter temperatures can cause poor blood circulation in the head if you wash your hair first. Doing this long-term may trigger cerebrovascular diseases. Many netizens admitted they usually wash their hair first and were shocked to realize their bathing order was "completely wrong." Others countered, "Of course you warm your body first in winter showers—otherwise you'd freeze to death."Some netizens disagree with this claim. Doctors explain, "Incorrect bathing methods indeed fail to achieve optimal cleansing and may even pose risks."So what is the correct bathing sequence?
Bathing Prelude #1: Face Washing
Why prioritize face washing? When you enter the shower and turn on the hot water, steam rises. Your pores expand with heat. If you haven't cleansed your face first, the grime accumulated throughout the day will infiltrate your open pores.Over time, these impurities will stretch your pores wider and wider, occupying territory they shouldn't, and the pimples on your face will multiply. But don't believe anyone who tells you they're "beautiful youth pimples."
Additionally, don't assume dust attacks cease while you sleep. Your daily cleansing routine should include: once upon waking, once before your afternoon break, and once before your evening shower—three times total. Use lukewarm water to wash your face during bathing. Prolonged use of excessively hot water accelerates skin aging, so maintain youthful skin by always washing with lukewarm water.
Bathing Prelude Part Two: Showering
Shower water can be slightly hotter, as this effectively boosts metabolism, accelerates blood circulation, opens pores, and thoroughly removes sweat and grime from the body.For every kilogram of sweat expelled, approximately 540 calories are burned. A 10-minute shower in 40°C (104°F) water can burn 200 calories! Enjoying weight loss through a relaxing bath is truly killing two birds with one stone.
However, limit shower time to under 20 minutes and ensure good ventilation.During your shower, close your eyes and relax as much as possible. Let the showerhead glide over your skin. After your bath, both your skin and your mind will feel thoroughly refreshed.
Bathing Prelude III: Washing Your Hair
Your hair is nourished by the steam, making this the perfect time to wash it.
First, thoroughly wet your hair under running water before applying shampoo. Massage the scalp gently for a moment, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Ensure all shampoo residue is removed. Next, evenly apply conditioner or hair treatment, massaging gently for three to five minutes. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb, then rinse clean. Finally, thoroughly rinse your entire body with clean water.Thus concludes the three-step bathing ritual for the water-bathed beauty.
The Correct Way to Bathe
Avoid scrubbing your skin: Healthy skin is protected by an acidic barrier formed by sebaceous and sweat gland secretions, along with shed epithelial cells. This barrier, known as the stratum corneum, is only 0.1 millimeters thick and slightly acidic. It serves as the body's first line of defense against pathogens and harmful radiation.This layer of dead skin renews slowly, taking at least ten days to complete. Vigorous scrubbing with a towel during bathing can easily damage the skin, causing excessive shedding of the epidermal keratin layer. This leads to dryness, itching, and leaves the skin vulnerable to bacteria and harmful radiation, increasing susceptibility to folliculitis, boils, and other skin conditions.
Following the correct bathing sequence promotes scientific wellness, helping us maintain cleanliness and prevent infections while boosting blood circulation, revitalizing the spirit, and relieving stress.