In fact, LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends cleansing skin with your hands over a shower
Antimicrobial Silicone Body Scrubber
Why we love it: Why do dermatologists recommend silicone scrubbers over loofahs? “Silicone scrubbers are generally thought to be gentle on skin, fast-drying, easy to clean, and more resistant to bacterial growth than other materials,” says Dr. Camp.
What should you use to wash your body in the shower or bath? This all depends on personal preference, but from a dermatologist's point of view, using bare hands or a soft cloth or flannel is best. "Ensure the cloth is washed and fully dried after each use," says Dr Nazarian.
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.
If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, a gentle or creamy cleanser is the best bet. Those with oily skin are able to use gel or foamy cleansers. And for people with normal skin, a water-based cleanser will work well.
Leaving a damp cloth in the shower or bath is a no-no, as it could accumulate bacteria which can be transferred to your body the next time you use it. Doctors at the American Association of Dermatologists say “Using your hands will get your body clean and is a good option for people who have sensitive skin.”
Silicone scrubs are gentle enough for sensitive skin and are ideal for cleansing without being harsh or abrasive, according to Garshick. This type of bath product is durable and doesn't trap bacteria or mold, making it more hygienic and easier to clean.
Using a hygienic cleanser is the key to beautiful skin.
On the other hand, a shower gel or a body wash comes in a squeezy sealed bottle which you have to pour out on a scrub or a loofah. Which makes it super hygienic and the entire family can use it as well. Hence there are no chances of any germs getting transferred.
Soap is great for stripping away germs, but it can also strip away the skin's protective oils, which are there to maintain a healthy balance in the skin and stave off dryness, breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, weird pH levels, and susceptibility to environmental damage.
If you're making the mistake of washing your face in the shower, you might not know that loofahs aren't the best option for clean 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.
A moist, used washcloth that is left to air dry each day creates an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to thrive. “Certain infections such as pink eye and staph infection can be spread through sharing washcloths,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin founder Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Whatever your choice, squeeze or rub soap or shower gel on to a loofah, washcloth, or, if you prefer, just your hands, and lather over your body. Start at your neck and shoulders before working your way down. Don't neglect your legs and be sure to get right between your toes with soap and water.
Hot water may feel soothing, but it can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your body. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider using cooler water. Keep it short and not often.
Oil Cleansing
Sesame oil and coconut oil are among the most popular choices when it comes to skin care. Just apply the oil all over your body and wait for 20 minutes. Then take a shower wlukewarm water. Use a washcloth to gently remove the excess oil.
Shower exfoliating cloths are the best way to hygienically exfoliate your body skin. In my opinion and professional experience, a non-porous, synthetic plastic sponge or cloth is the most effective way to exfoliate and a safer option than a loofah. It exfoliates and dries better. My favorite is the Salux Wash Cloth.
Sponges are known for their soft and porous nature and may not exfoliate as well as a loofah. While sponges do not offer the same level of exfoliation, they play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and overall skin health.
Takeaway one - not too hot and not too long. Bathing for five to 15 minutes max with lukewarm water is best for your skin. Takeaway two - head to toe is the way to go. Whether you choose a bath or a shower, always start from the top of your body and work your way down.
Controlled Process: When hand washing clothes, you have complete control over the washing process. You can pay special attention to stains, use the right amount of detergent, and adjust the water temperature according to the fabric's requirements.
“Be cautious in using cleansing tools like washcloths, sponges or loofahs, because they can be irritating to the skin,” dermatologist Joshua Zeichnerpreviously told HuffPost.
Showering the right way
Avoid taking excessively long showers or baths that can strip away oils from your skin's outer layer. Keep showers at about 10 minutes and be sure to apply a skin moisturizer afterward. Do not shower or bathe in extremely hot water.
Improper Cleansing
Have you ever washed your face and then swiped on toner only to discover the cotton pad is dirty? Yep, your skin is not properly cleansed and all those impurities (sunscreen, makeup, dirt, excess sebum) can get trapped into pores and cause breakouts.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type. According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight.