Fundamental Study of Bed Bath Technique : Subjective and Objective Evaluations of Epidermal Effects of Bed Bathing Using Bar Soap and Water-Dissolved Liquid Soap

Purpose: To clarify epidermal effects of bed bathing using bar soap and water-dissolved liquid soap (liquid soap). Method: The subjects were 33 healthy female college students. Subjects' arms were cleaned by two methods, using bar soap and liquid soap. The following objective data were collected from the subjects: skin sebum, moisturization, pH, and feelings of skin conditions (rashes, redness, itchiness, and irritation). Results : 1. Cleansing effects of both methods on oily dirt seemed no different. However, bar soap might be able to clean dirt between skin ditches. 2. After cleansing by bar soap, skin tends to hold in more moisture, but drys faster. This may cause subjects to feel drier than when using liquid soap. 3. The skin pH was slightly alkalized after cleansing by liquid, whereas the skin pH stayed the same after cleansing by bar soap. However, this doesn't mean that bar soap remained on skin. 4. Skin redness was the most observed skin condition after cleansing. It might be caused by heat from cleansing towels. There was no relation between skin types and skin conditions after bed bath