Taking care of skin

A good bath once or twice a day is recommended, especially in tropical countries like India.

In Victorian England, modest young women were taught to wash themselves without getting quite naked. In Hindu culture baths were, apart from daily ablutions, mandatory as part of observing pollution for various reasons and occasions. But ritual bathing, or a dip, is quite different from the daily bath personal hygiene demands.

Soap and water are essential for keeping the skin clean. A good bath once or twice a day is recommended, especially in tropical countries like India. Those who are involved in active sports or work out to a sweat would do well to take a bath after the activity.

A mild soap will do the job adequately. Germicidal or antiseptic soaps are not essential for the daily bath. You can use a bath sponge for scrubbing. Back brushes and heel scrubbers are available. But do not use abrasive material.

The genitals and the anus need to be cleaned well because of the natural secretions of these areas, in unhygienic conditions, can cause irritation and infection.

Wash off well after soaping. Drying with a clean towel is important. Avoid sharing soaps and towels.

Change into clean underwear after bath.

Around middle age the skin tends to go dry a bit. A moisturising oil or cream can be used. It is better to use this at night, because if you go out in the sun or commute on dusty roads when the skin is wet, dust sticks to it and oils may also give you a tan.