Why do only the pads on my fingers wrinkle after a long bath

A.� The dead keratin filled cells of the outer skin absorb water, however, the underlying live ones don’t. The outer layer swells with the water, increasing its surface area. Because the skin on our hands and feet is much thicker than the rest of our body, it absorbs relatively more water and has an even greater increase in surface area, which has to be accommodated somehow. As a result this skin concertinas itself up, creating very evident wrinkles.

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So, although it looks like our fingers and toes are shrivelling, they’re actually expanding.

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Q.� Why does the outer surface of my skin absorb water

A.� The keratin filled cells that make up the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the epidermis, are water loving. By absorbing water they stop it getting any further into the inner layers of the epidermis where it would be harmful.

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Q.� Where does the water go

A.� It is only absorbed temporarily and eventually evaporates, dehydrating the skin as it does.

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Q.� So, does having a long bath actually dry my skin out

A.� Yes. Soaking in the tub does hydrate the skin, but only briefly. All the added water quickly evaporates, leaving the skin dryer than before.

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Q.� Can I have a bath without drying my skin

A.� The oils that hold the water in have usually been stripped out by the bath, especially if soap and hot water are used. If you rub oil into your skin before it dries, most of the absorbed water is retained.

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Have you got a question about why pars of your body behave differently from others Click here to post your question.

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by Lisa Cardy