I heard that pressing on it is not good... Is there any evidence to support that?

Some people always scrub off their dirt every time they wash. They believe that soaking their body first and then thoroughly scrubbing every corner with a loofah makes them feel refreshed and properly cleansed. However, excessive and vigorous scrubbing with a rough loofah can damage the skin, so caution is needed. Especially for people with sensitive skin, dermatitis, or psoriasis, it is better not to scrub off their dirt.

Dandruff occurs when the stratum corneum, sebum, and sweat on the skin come into contact with dust in the air and accumulate on the skin. Gently rubbing with a washcloth to remove dust and secretions from the skin is okay, but excessive force and scrubbing should be avoided. Applying too much pressure can remove the stratum corneum. When the protective layer that prevents moisture evaporation is peeled off, skin moisture is lost, making the skin dry and rough. If the stratum corneum is severely peeled off, the damaged skin may develop inflammation during the healing process, leading to dermatitis. If the skin already has symptoms such as eczema or itching caused by dermatitis, further scrubbing can cause additional damage to the skin.

There are people who should not be given a massage due to their medical conditions. For those with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin sensitivities, massaging the skin can cause irritation and worsen symptoms. Patients with psoriasis and vitiligo also face the risk of their symptoms spreading to other areas when the skin is rubbed. Additionally, elderly individuals, and patients with diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease should be cautious, as they may develop dry eczema after massage.

Dust and secretions accumulated on the skin can be thoroughly washed away with a good shower. Old skin keratin also naturally sheds over time. If you want to remove dead skin cells further, it is recommended to use exfoliating products.

If you must remove dead skin, do so only 2 to 4 times a year. Soak your body for about 30 minutes, then gently rub along the skin's grain using a soft cloth. Do not scrub vigorously every day or weekly until the skin turns red. After removing dead skin, it is advisable to apply a moisturizer to prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. When the moisturizer is well absorbed, it not only provides a humidifying effect but also strengthens the skin's outer barrier.

<Source: Health Chosun>