How much water is absorbed through the skin while showering?

  • Thread starter Bartholomew
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In summary, the skin is not completely waterproof, but rather water-resistant due to a thin membrane and an oil secreted through hair follicles. This protection helps regulate water and protect the dermis, but the skin can still become waterlogged, as seen with the prunelike effect on hands and feet after a long bath. Some may argue that the intricacies of the skin's functions are evidence of a Creator rather than evolution.
  • #1
Bartholomew
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How much water is absorbed through the skin while showering?
 
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  • #2
I believe that the skin is waterproof, so none. If there are any exceptions to this, then I am unaware of them.

Just as a little side note, I did a quick google to varify what I thought, and found this:

It is impossible that evolution could have produced such an important and complex organ as the human skin. The many intricacies of its functions are evidence of a Creator. One writer remarked: “The skin is a miracle of evolutionary engineering: it waterproofs the body, blocks out and destroys harmful bacteria, regulates temperature, and continuously communicates with the brain” (McCutcheon, 1989, p. 113). Yes, the skin is a “miracle” all right—but not a miracle of evolution. And yes, the skin was “engineered”—but the engineer was God!

From an otherwise quite good article about the skin: http://www.apologeticspress.org/modules.php?name=Read&itemid=2581&cat=11 [Broken]

It amused me somewhat.
 
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  • #3
The skin is most defintiely not waterproof. One of its primary functions is to regulate water!

If the skin were waterproof, we wouldn't look like a prune after getting out of the bath (or pool).
 
  • #4
matthyaouw said:
I believe that the skin is waterproof
"The answer, according to Dr. Robert Polisky, a dermatologist in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is both yes and no. Skin, which protects the body against injury, microorganisms, and chemical agents, is water-resistant but not waterproof. The protective layer is called the stratum corneum, a thin membrane of mostly dead cells that's rich in a protein called keratin and also coated with sebum, an oil secreted through hair follicles. Together they create a water-resistant barrier that protects the dermis, where the capillaries and sweat glands lie. (If you want to verify that your skin isn't waterproof, take a long bath—the prunelike effect on your hands and feet is a result of the keratin becoming waterlogged.)"
http://outside.away.com/outside/news/200303/200303wildfile.html
 
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1. How much water is absorbed through the skin while showering?

The amount of water absorbed through the skin while showering varies depending on factors such as shower duration, water temperature, and skin condition. On average, the skin can absorb about 20-30% of the water it comes in contact with during a shower.

2. Does showering for longer periods increase the amount of water absorbed through the skin?

Yes, showering for longer periods can increase the amount of water absorbed through the skin. This is because the longer the skin is in contact with water, the more time it has to absorb it. However, it is important to note that showering for excessively long periods can also strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.

3. Can hot water increase the amount of water absorbed through the skin?

Yes, hot water can increase the amount of water absorbed through the skin. This is because hot water can open up the pores and allow for better absorption. However, using excessively hot water can also cause dryness and irritation to the skin.

4. Does the type of soap or body wash used affect the amount of water absorbed through the skin?

Yes, the type of soap or body wash used can affect the amount of water absorbed through the skin. Certain harsh chemicals or ingredients in soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause it to absorb more water. It is important to choose gentle, moisturizing products for the skin.

5. Is there a limit to how much water can be absorbed through the skin during a shower?

Yes, there is a limit to how much water can be absorbed through the skin during a shower. The skin has a natural barrier that helps prevent excessive water loss. However, this barrier can be compromised by factors such as prolonged exposure to water, harsh soaps, and skin conditions, allowing for more water absorption. It is important to maintain a balance and not overexpose the skin to water.

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