Everyone wants beautiful, glowing skin. A person’s skincare journey is unique and specific to them. When it comes to cleaning your skin of all that sweat and grim from the day, you have many options. You can use washcloths, loofahs, net sponges, or your hands, but not all methods for washing up are created equally. These are pros and cons to different cleansing tools. It’s important to avoid skincare no no’s and to understand which method works best for your skin.
Founder and CEO of Chappell Dermatology Dr. Jeaneen A. Chappell explains that choosing a washing method is a personal choice. For her clients, the method of cleansing she recommends will depend on their skin type and any skin conditions they may have.
“Every person must consider their skin type and any preexisting skin conditions when selecting their ideal washing method,” Chappell said.
Here’s the benefits of the different washing tools according to a dermatologist and how to achieve your most refreshed and rejuvenated skin with each.
Hands
Some people use their hands and a bar of soap to wash their face and the rest of their body. This cost-effective method of washing is great and simple for your skin. It not only saves you money, but also saves you time and is more accessible.
Washcloth
A washcloth provides a mildly abrasive barrier between your hand and skin that can remove dirt and debris from your pores. It provides an enhanced or elevated cleaning, as compared to just washing with your hands.
“Washcloths provide a more thorough cleanse compared to using hands alone, effectively removing dirt, oil, and bacteria,” Chappell shared recently in an IG post. “This will create a smooth, glowy skin.”
You can choose from a variety of washcloth materials. Whatever material you choose, washcloths help exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells.
When it comes to facial skin, Chappell emphasized gentle washing methods. Facial skin is delicate and differs from the skin on other areas of the body. In general, be careful not to wash your skin too aggressively as that can irritate skin. If you use your washcloth with care, it will be gentle enough for sensitive skin.
To maintain hygiene, try to use a new washcloth with each shower. Washcloths are eco-friendly compared to disposable wipes or sponges. They can be washed and used multiple times.
Loofah
Perfect for exfoliating skin, loofahs thoroughly cleanse and stimulate blood circulation. They also remove dead skin cells with their rough, spongy and fibrous surface. Don’t wash with a loofah on a daily basis, as it can damage your skin barrier. You might notice that if you wash more than a few times a week with a loofah, your skin might be red or irritated.
“Over-exfoliating can lead to dry skin and disruption of the skin’s microbiome,” she said. “I encourage [Black women] to speak with their dermatologist to determine the best cleansing practices for their skin.”
For Black skin care, she recommended readers to thoroughly use any race moisturize following any exfoliative cleansing practices on the body. Also, be careful to keep your loofah clean. If they sit in the shower, which they often do, they will not fully dry. If a loofah stays damp all the time, then bacteria will likely develop.