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If you walk down the right supermarket aisle, you may find a dizzying array of shower tools. Sponges, loofahs, washcloths, and Korean exfoliating gloves line the shelves.
Which tool is the right one for you? Does it make a difference? Some people say that washing with just hands is dirty, while others claim that washcloths collect mold and bacteria. With all the debate, Packer’s Pine is here to share the best information on getting clean.
Washcloths
Washcloths are a popular choice with many groups of people. The benefit of the washcloth is that it’s easy to spread soap across your body; its texture is rough enough that it provides some exfoliating power but gentle enough that you can protect your sensitive areas by applying light pressure.
One of the biggest benefits of using a washcloth is that it can be used, run through the laundry, and used again. Because washcloths are inexpensive, a small investment in a package of several cloths can be used for many years. This makes the cost and frequency of replacing your washcloths much less than loofahs, poufs, or shower brushes.
The downside to washcloths is that they can collect grime, mold, and mildew if not properly cared for. Washcloths should be washed often (daily if possible), and it’s best not to share with other members of the household. Additionally, some experts advise against washing your face with the same washcloths you use on your body, as they can transfer germs and bacteria to the eyes and pores, causing infections. This is especially true for people with skin conditions that compromise the integrity of the skin, such as psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Loofahs
The loofah (and similar products, like the shower pouf) are great options for people who need some extra exfoliating power. The rough surface makes them ideal for removing old, dry outer layers of skin.
The downside to these products is that they are magnets for germs. The nooks and crannies of loofahs create a moist environment that allows bacteria to hide and grow. Because of this, these products can sometimes cause recurring skin infections, often caused by candida yeasts. These bacteria can cause jock itch, dandruff, and even oral thrush.
The downsides of loofahs can be avoided by good hygiene. Avoid sharing with other members of the household and replace your loofah or pouf about once a month. Rather than allowing it to stay in the shower, store your loofah somewhere it can dry adequately to inhibit bacterial growth.
Some new products, such as silicone brushes and body mitts are emerging as a replacement to the loofah. Because silicone is non-porous, these products don’t suffer from the same bacterial growth as washcloths and loofahs while still providing decent exfoliation. Additionally, they can be cleaned much easier than loofahs and poufs (though it’s hard to beat the ease of cleaning a washcloth).
What about my hands?
Hands are a time-tested, unproblematic way to get clean. Some dermatologists recommend them as the best way to clean your skin, as they are gentle enough to maintain its integrity, don’t harbor bacteria, and don’t require constant cleaning or replacement. The one downside to cleaning yourself with your hands is that they aren’t very good at exfoliating the skin; however, this shortcoming can be overcome with exfoliating body washes.
These body washes can sometimes contain textured materials, such as salt, to help rub off the dead outer layer of skin. Other washes may use a chemical exfoliant, such as salicylic acid. Though effective, these types of body wash aren’t always kind to sensitive skin so proceed cautiously if you are prone to irritation.
The final verdict
The ideal way to wash comes down to personal needs, preferences, and culture. The only person who knows how to make yourself feel clean is you.
That said, if you have sensitive or dry skin, it may be time to make a change. Look for gentle, sulfate-free body wash and soaps to avoid irritation. Seek out the best soaps for dry skin if you struggle with dryness and/or eczema and moisturize frequently.
Don’t forget that skincare doesn’t end in the shower. Many products can be applied anytime, and good hygiene throughout the day can also improve your skin’s health. Using products like dry brushes is an easy way to gently exfoliate, while creams, lotions, and oils can be used to maintain supple skin.
You can also avoid strong detergents in your clothing and avoid handling irritants without protection. Lastly, sunscreen can provide lasting protection all day to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. While cleaning is a major key in maintaining skin health, caring for your skin all day will keep it looking fresh and feeling healthy for a lifetime.
FAQs
Between washcloths, loofahs, or using your hands, what's the best way to wash your body? “I usually recommend a soft cloth or washcloth for showers, especially those areas that harbor, a lot of bacteria, which include the armpits, groin area, and feet,” Dr. Davis explains to xoNecole.
Is it better to wash with a loofah or washcloth? ›
I'm sorry to all the loofah lovers out there — a washcloth is the better option of the two. "Loofahs, typically made from dried gourds, provide a vigorous exfoliation, which can be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin," notes Dr. Chacon. Still, they're the much harsher option when it comes to exfoliation.
What is the most hygienic way to wash your body? ›
In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water that's lukewarm or slightly warm. Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. Using a loofah, washcloth, or just your hands, apply bar soap or bodywash to your body. Start at your neck and shoulders, and work your way down the length of your body.
Do dermatologists recommend washcloths? ›
“A washcloth can help apply the body wash to the skin,” says Garshick. However, it's best to avoid combining an exfoliating wash or scrub with a washcloth because it may be too rough for the skin, she says. Like loofahs, washcloths can still harbor bacteria, though they tend to be easier to clean, says Garshick.
Do loofahs hold more bacteria than washcloth? ›
"Neither are necessary," explains Dr. Mudgil. "But if you're going to choose one, wash cloths are much better than loofahs, provided you only use the cloth one time before washing it. Both can harbor bacteria, but loofahs are much more prone to doing so given all their 'nooks and crannies.
What's the best tool to wash your body with? ›
In fact, LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends cleansing skin with your hands over a shower loofah or washcloth.
Should you wash your face with your hands or washcloth? ›
Ultimately, we recommend you wash your face using your hands every morning and night, and use the Micro Exfoliator + Mask to exfoliate twice a week.
What is the healthiest thing to wash your body with? ›
For the most natural cleansing, nothing beats water. It's the simplest and most gentle way to clean your skin. If you need something more, a mild, organic soap or a plant-based body wash with minimal ingredients is a great natural alternative.
How do dermatologists recommend washing your body? ›
Dermatologist clean skin tips:
It is important to limit your bath or shower time to 5-10 minutes. Avoid working your cleanser up to a thick lather. Close the bathroom door to keep the room humid, which is better for your skin. Dry skin conditions can be worsened by the type of soap you use.
How often should a woman shower? ›
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.
It depends on how you're cleaning your skin and what you're trying to achieve, but generally speaking, a cotton or microfiber washcloth is best for the face. Both materials are soft and absorbent, making them suitable for both cleansing and drying.
Is it better to shower with hands or washcloth? ›
However, using bare hands may not provide as much exfoliation as using a washcloth or loofah, and may not be as effective at removing dirt, oil, or body odors from the skin. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a washcloth, loofah, or bare hands to clean the body is a personal one.
What washcloths don t hold bacteria? ›
Mizu towels are made of self cleaning silver fibers that prevent 99.9% of bacteria from sticking. The color of the stripes even change when it's dirty so you know when it's time to wash it.
What is better than a loofah? ›
If you're looking for something gentle enough for daily use, we recommend using a Konjac sponge instead of a loofah.
What to use instead of a washcloth? ›
Some new products, such as silicone brushes and body mitts are emerging as a replacement to the loofah. Because silicone is non-porous, these products don't suffer from the same bacterial growth as washcloths and loofahs while still providing decent exfoliation.
How often should I replace washcloths? ›
In general, expect to replace washcloths about every six to ten months. Washcloths are harder to maintain than towels because they get saturated with soap and water. Soaps designed for your body don't necessarily play nice with some fabrics, so your washcloths may not last as long as your towels.
What is the best thing to shower with? ›
Loofahs, washcloths, and scrubbers are great to use in the shower—but only if you're taking proper care of them. That means giving them the chance to dry out between uses and laundering them regularly to ensure you're getting rid of bacteria.
What is more hygienic than a loofah? ›
Garshick encourages people to use a silicone scrub, washcloth, exfoliating gloves or a dry brush as an alternative to loofahs because they're generally easier to clean and hold less bacteria. Silicone scrubs' bristles remove dead flakes, dirt, excess oil and more from the skin.
Is it better to wash your body with a loofah? ›
Loofahs exfoliate and cleanse skin, but they aren't the best shower choice for everyone. Loofahs need to be taken care of properly so they don't become carriers of bacteria that could make you sick. They can also damage sensitive skin. Keep reading to find out what you should know about this popular shower sponge.
How to wash your bum properly in the shower? ›
It's also best to use a hand-held shower head for direct, up-close cleansing. If you prefer a washcloth or loofa, it's fine to get between the cheeks, but again, remember not to be too vigorous with your motions. It's best to make sure you're washing this regularly because it's your butthole we're talking about here.
