Khaberni - American singer Taylor Swift sparked widespread controversy after revealing in a television interview with host Ellen DeGeneres that she does not regularly wash her legs, stating: "Shaving cream is kind of like soap, right?"
Ellen jokingly replied, "Yes, I guess that's reason enough to wash the legs, since we have to do it when shaving."
Taylor laughed and responded, "So, I'm on the right side!"
The 35-year-old pop star's comments triggered a wave of remarks among fans, especially after the clip spread on social media, reigniting the debate about the importance of washing legs and feet while showering.
Experts explain: Do we really need to wash our legs?
According to a report by the British newspaper Daily Mail, some experts believe it is not necessary to wash the legs daily, as they consider the water and soap flowing over the body during a shower sufficient to clean them.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says: "Unless your legs are visibly dirty, there's no need to use a direct cleanser on them. Over-washing or scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils and weaken its protective barrier. "
However, Zeichner affirms that gentle washing does not cause harm, and balance is key to maintaining healthy skin.
Another opinion: Neglect may cause infections and dryness
For his part, Dr. Silas Rowlands, a cosmetic doctor at ALTA Medispa in London, believes that neglecting to wash the legs can lead to skin problems like folliculitis or dry skin.
He adds, "Sweat, oils, and bacteria can accumulate on the lower legs just like any other part of the body. Therefore, it is advisable to use a gentle cleanser and light exfoliation once or twice a week to maintain healthy skin."
The feet.. a completely different situation
The British National Health Service (NHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing the feet daily with water and soap, as the soles of the feet contain about 600 sweat glands per square centimeter, more than any other part of the body.
Dr. Zeichner explains that the feet are under significant daily pressure, which makes the skin thicker and tends to trap dirt and moisture, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth, especially between the toes.
Potential health problems due to neglect
Among the main diseases that can affect the feet when daily cleanliness is neglected:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): A fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes, causing itching and flaking.
Fungal nail infections: Affect about 8% of the British and 14% of the Americans, causing thickening and discoloration of the nails.
Doctors confirm that treatment usually involves topical antifungals in the form of creams or sprays, while maintaining clean and dry feet to avoid infection.
While some may feel that washing the legs daily is not necessary, experts agree that the feet require special care and daily cleanliness to avoid infections and skin problems.
As for Taylor Swift, her humorous confession brought back a discussion that might seem simple, but it actually affects the skin health and daily habits of millions of people around the world.
