Why does my skin get wrinkly when I take a bath?

Kids constantly ask curious questions to which we do not always know the answers. Here is a good one on why our skin gets wrinkly in the bath!

Why does my skin get wrinkly when I take a bath?

When you take a bath or spend a long time in the water, you might notice that your fingers and toes get all wrinkly, like prunes! Kids ask the why behind this a lot—it’s a great question! But first, sometimes younger kids ask, “Why do I need to take a bath?” 

Let’s start there.

You have to take a bath to keep your body clean and healthy! When you play, run, or sweat, your skin can get dirty with dirt, dust, and sand. Taking a bath or shower helps wash all that yucky stuff off your body. It also enables you to feel refreshed and ready for the next adventure. Plus, bathing keeps you smelling nice and prevents you from getting stinky!

The Science Behind Wrinkly Skin

When your skin is submerged in water for a while, the outer layer absorbs some of that water. This outer layer is called the epidermis, and it does an exceptional job of protecting your body. Usually, this layer keeps moisture so you do not dry out, but it can become a bit soggy when you soak in water.

But here’s the exciting part: the wrinkling isn’t just because your skin is getting puffy from water. Scientists believe it’s a clever trick for your body! When your fingers and toes are in the water, unique signals from your nerves tell tiny blood vessels in your skin to shrink. This makes the skin pull inwards and creates those little wrinkles.

Why Do We Get Wrinkles?

You might wonder why our bodies do this. Well, researchers think that having wrinkly fingers and toes actually helps us grip wet things better! Like how tires have grooves to help cars grip the road, the wrinkles on our fingers help channel water away. This means you can grab slippery things, like a bar of soap or a fish, if you’re fishing!

Is It Normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! Everyone experiences this when they spend too much time in the bath or pool. The good news is that once you dry off, your skin will quickly return to normal. So next time you see those pruney fingers, remember that it’s your body’s way of helping you hold onto things better when wet!

If you ever wonder why your fingers look like raisins after a bath, know it’s all part of a cool survival trick from nature! Enjoy your bath time, knowing your body works hard to keep you safe and help you grip slippery objects!

xx

dr. heather

PS Joke time!

Q: Why are skeletons so calm? A: Because nothing gets under their skin.

Photo credit: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash