The verdict: Using your hands is perfectly fine as long as you wash them first to avoid spreading bacteria. Dr. Schlessinger also recommends using gentle circular motions when massaging cleanser onto your face or body.
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.
It's actually better to use one because: A washcloth can rub off excess skin cells, oil, and dirt that a soapy hand can't. A washcloth can cover more surface area than a hand can.
You should start from the cleanest area, usually your head and face and work toward the dirtiest usually your behind, genitals and feet. And dermatologists say that short showers are best, and to not use a sponge or washcloth especially on the face. Personally, I don't do that.
“Water is excellent at washing off sweat and dust and the normal lint that we pick up around us every day, [while] soap is really good at pulling oils out of the skin,” Dr. Greiling says.
Peeing in the shower may not be bad, but that's not the case for baths and hot tubs. Shusterman said warm, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It raises the risk of bacteria entering your urethra when sitting in the tub.
"Adult skin can be washed every day, but only if using these guidelines: short showers, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser," she says. "Aggressive, daily cleaning techniques will cause skin to break down, flaring atopic dermatitis, eczema, and often causing uncomfortable itchy, red skin."
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.
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.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A fragrance free cleanser that is available at most stores. This cleanser is great for sensitive skin and leaves a soft clean feeling after use.
The verdict: We recommend skipping the washcloth for face cleansing. The risk of spreading acne-causing bacteria and clogging pores with debris is high, and dry areas can form from daily friction. If you love using your washcloth for showers, then Dr. Schlessinger recommends reserving it for use on the body.
Dettol's Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash, Sensitive, is dermatologist-recommended, safe for sensitive skin, and budget-friendly, making it a clear choice for our top overall pick.
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.
Whether you're a shower or bath-taker, loofahs can turn up your body-washing game. These little bundles of mesh (or other slightly abrasive material) take body washes and shower gels and transform them into luscious foams that buff away dead skin, softening everywhere they touch.
African net sponges are somewhat like loofas in appearance and purpose but may last longer with less wear and tear and may be less prone to harboring bacteria.
Both soap and body wash cleanse the body, but bar soap can be harsher on the skin, and it can even be less hygienic. More on that later. Soap can remove our skin's natural oil barrier of essential lipids and proteins, and even alter the skin's pH level, which causes dry, itchy, red skin irritation.
You need to wash your body every day. If you can't get a bath or shower each day you should at least wash at a sink. Give your whole body a good wash, but remember to make sure these places are clean. If you have trouble reaching any bits, use a soft cloth or sponge.
Both dermatologists agree that you don't need to wash your legs regularly unless you're getting dirty or overly sweaty, such as after an intense run or cycling class. On most days, they say you can wash your body and let the soapy water drip down your legs and rinse without actually washing them.
Even with one leg up, the pelvic floor does not rest properly, so the bladder may not be able to fully empty. As such, sitting down is usually the best position to let these muscles relax. Standing and “hovering” over the loo may keep these muscles slightly constricted, making it hard to fully empty the bladder.
Adult human urine is not sterile. The resident bacterial community may contribute to urinary health and disease in undiscovered ways. Bacterial genomic sequencing and expanded urine cultures techniques are major complementary tools for scientific exploration in urologic research.