Lifestyle Choices

Which is better—a bath or a shower? It depends. A shower is more invigorating (after all, you’re standing, not reclining), while a bath is more relaxing and therapeutic, easing sore muscles, circulation problems, arthritis and stress. Baths, however, are less effective at cleaning away bacteria than showers, and soaking in a bath longer than 15 minutes can exacerbate dry skin.

Bathing hazards

Injuries commonly occur in baths and showers, mostly because of falls and scalding water. Here are some safety tips:

Never leave a young child alone in the bath; a tot can drown in just 5 centimetres of water.

When bathing a baby, don’t use ’support rings’—the suction cups can release, allowing the baby to tip over and drown.

Use your elbow to test the temperature of babies’ and children’s bathwater (elbow skin is thinner and more sensitive).

To reduce the risk of scalding yourself, run the cold water first, then add hot. You can also lower the setting on your hot-water cylinder.

To prevent falls, add grab bars, nonskid mats and a bath bench in the bathtub area.

Never use light switches or electrical appliances while in the bath or shower.

Some bubble baths and bath oils can make the bath slippery and may cause vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Can bathing expose you to pollution?

Studies show that pollutants can be absorbed through the skin. During a 15-minute bath in contaminated water, you can soak up a litre of the stuff. Also, shower steam may contain chloroform. To be safe, use an exhaust fan and install a granulated-carbon filter on the showerhead or on the incoming cold water line.

Fighting Dry Skin

Use warm water (around 36°C); hot water removes the skin’s oils. Water above 39°C can be harmful for pregnant women, diabetics and those with high or low blood pressure.

Take short showers and limit baths to 15 minutes. Bathe no more than once a day.

Choose mild or superfatted soap—avoid antibacterial and deodorant soaps.

Fat skin dry with a soft towel—never rub.

Apply moisturizer afterwards while the skin is still damp.

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