We wash ourselves to eliminate dirt (which sticks to the skin either because it is oily or because of contact with sebum (which is greasy) and sweat) and smells (produced by volatile substances generated by biological activity on the surface of the skin, above all that of microbes). By washing ourselves, we alter the cutaneous “ecosystem”, which comes back into balance after a while. In general, the culture we live in makes us think we need to wash ourselves quite often. To minimise both the alterations to the skin and the consumption of natural resources, it is a good idea to set a limit on how often we wash ourselves.
If we take care to get less dirty, we will need less soap.
We should analyse our nature and cleanliness needs to decide how often we ought to shower and wash our hair.
We should choose natural cosmetic products whenever we can.
To make sure we are not fooled by deceptive claims, we should learn to understand hygiene product labels a little.
Companies and organisations from the sector: Dr. Hauschka, Cosmètics Giura, Henkel, Laboratorios Alter, Puig, Weleda, National Perfumery and Cosmetics Association;
Research centres: Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Barcelona;
Experts: Mercedes Berlanga, Ignasi Dies, Laura Lacueva, Marc Julià, Martí Saurí;
Organisations: BDIH, Biocultura, Biofach, Ecocert, Ecoviure, Greenpeace, Natrue, Soil Association;
Journals: Folia Dermatológica Peruana, The Ethical Consumer.