Whether it’s to start or end your day – nothing beats a restorative and therapeutic shower. But, have you ever wondered if you are washing your body…properly?
Whether it’s a washcloth, shower loofah, your own two hands or another cleansing device – what you reach for when you step into the shower is a personal choice. However, there are pros and cons to each and we all want to treat our bodies with kindness by using the best cleansing methods known to us.
Washing certainly gets rid of any dirt and allergens we have accumulated on our skin, but it also removes some of your body’s natural oils, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dead skin cells. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi always live on our skin—even after washing. This is completely normal and often harmless…and sometimes even beneficial.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each method of washing…
Washcloth
This is a method that has stood the test of time and holds a number of advantages. It’s inexpensive and boasts benefits like light exfoliation, plus it’s easily controllable from the pressure you apply, allowing you to be gentler on sensitive areas. However, a washcloth can also harbour bacteria.
A moist, used washcloth left to air dry each day creates an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to thrive.
Pro Tip: Throw your washcloth into your laundry every few uses and keep a few backups on hand. If you prefer this method, having more than one will help.
When it comes to your face, it’s been highly recommended that you skip the washcloth due to the high risk of spreading pore-clogging bacteria that could lead to once breakouts.
Loofah
Shower loofahs are great for body exfoliation and enhancing blood circulation but just like washcloths, they can hold germs and bacteria. It’s all in the physical design of the cleansing tool – its traps and holds moisture.
Pro Tip: If your personal cleansing choice is a loofah, don’t leave it in the shower. The steam will prolong the drying process and create and environment for bacteria to breed and thrive. Try storing it in a dry area.
Hands
This has to be the most gentle and most recommended method to wash your body and its excellent for sensitive skin. However, there’s something washing with your hands does not do very well, and that’s exfoliation. Washing your body with your hands can often leave dirt, oil and dead skin cells behind because you are not getting any exfoliation.
Unclean hands can also contaminate the skin on the face and body by introducing acne-causing bacteria.
Pro Tip: Sounds strange but wash your hands before you use them to wash your body. This will prevent bacteria from building up.
The answer isn’t black and white when it comes to the best method for washing. As we said, its personal to your choice and lifestyle. You need to do what you can to minimize the growth of bacteria transmitted onto your body, however that looks.
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Dry brushing is the key to glowing, healthy looking skin – here’s how!
Feature Image: Pexels
