Here's What You Should Know If You Use Your Hands To Clean Your Body In The Shower
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- Dermatologists generally recommend using hands rather than washcloths or loofahs to clean the body, as hands provide better pressure for washing and reduce the risk of bacterial transfer.
- Using washcloths or loofahs can disrupt the skin barrier, especially for those with sensitive or compromised skin, potentially leading to infections or skin irritation.
- Washcloths can offer mild exfoliation for removing dead skin cells but should not be used daily; they must be washed frequently—ideally after each use—to prevent bacterial growth.
- Chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid are safer alternatives for exfoliation when used sparingly, while physical scrubs with beads or grit are generally discouraged.
- Overall, washing the body with hands is sufficient for cleanliness and safer for maintaining skin health, making washcloths and loofahs unnecessary for most people.
