Using your hands will get your body clean (as long as you wash them first) and is a good option for people who have sensitive skin, according to the AAD. Plus, you don't have to worry about how often you change out your cloth or loofah.
That's right! Scrubbing up with your hands is recommended. "It's best to just wash with our hands," suggests Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD. "Loofahs have been well-documented reservoirs of bacteria.
Anderson says, “Your skin feels tight and dry from the surfactants, which make the lather, or the alkaline base, which helps remove the oils from the skin.” Bathing with only water balanced out my skin's essential oils. It felt healthier and smoother without the use of harsh chemicals typically found in cleansers.
Dr. Frieling says you can save your cash and your skin by using your hands instead of a loofah. "Our hands are the most accessible tools," she says. "They're easy to clean and, if washed properly before lathering your body with your preferred bath product, you're at less risk than if you were using sponges or loofahs."
Hands are small enough to easily and quickly scrub clean by using them alone. The rest of the body has a lot more area to cover. That is why a washcloth or loofah or net scrubber are used to spread the soap more quickly and efficiently. But if you choose to not use one of those tools, it's not particularly weird.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
"Many people lose the feeling of freshness quickly after showering and feel itchy or dry because they often spend too much time in the shower, scrub too aggressively, and use harsh products," dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD/MPH tells Bustle.
Being a solid bar also means it's possible to add exfoliating ingredients such as oats or salt, and these are especially popular for removing dead skin. But of course, with good handwashing technique both traditional bar soap and liquid hand wash are equally good at keeping your hands clean and free from germs.
It is a long-believed myth that body washes are best used with a loofah to generate lather. One should be aware of the fact that body washes are capable of lathering up by taking a little amount in your hands and rubbing hands to lather. So, you can happily discard the loofah.
Loofahs are harsh on your skin
“You should avoid rubbing with a loofah or washcloth as these are too irritating and will damage the skin,” says Benjamin Garden, MD, a dermatologist practicing in Chicago.
In general, showering every other day or every few days is enough for most people. Keep in mind that showering twice a day or frequently taking hot or long showers can strip your skin of important oils. This can lead to dry, itchy skin.
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.
Generally, she says, "you should be showering, bathing or cleansing yourself every two to three days." Though, if you're working out or engaging in an activity where you are sweating a lot, you may have to shower more often. The biggest problem that may stem from not showering enough? The stink.