Washcloths and loofahs are often found in bathrooms, hotels, and gyms, and they can make you feel like you’re really getting clean, spreading soap all over your body easily.
However, dermatologists have shared with HuffPost that these items aren’t actually necessary—or even the most effective way to cleanse.
“Most dermatologists would recommend washing with your hands over using a washcloth or loofah, that’s a general suggestion,” explained Dr. Lauren Taglia from Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in Illinois.
Similarly, Dr. Katie Lynam, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Medical University of South Carolina, mentioned that using hands for washing is preferable, but there’s no strictly right or wrong method to clean your body.
This brings us to the question: Why is this the case? Here are some insights.
For most individuals, using hands is the best and safest method for cleansing in the shower.
According to Taglia, hands provide optimal pressure when washing the body with either bar or liquid soap.
Furthermore, “if the hands are clean before washing the body, it decreases the chance of transferring bacteria or other germs,” Taglia noted.
For those with sensitive skin, using hands can help preserve the skin barrier, Lynam added. “Using a washcloth or loofah can disturb the barrier, which protects against pathogens and retains moisture,” she said.
Loofahs, which often aren’t sanitized, can also become a breeding ground for bacteria. “This poses a risk for infections, especially for individuals with sensitive skin,” Taglia mentioned, sharing that she has eczema herself.
“We are concerned about the infection risk with loofahs, particularly for those prone to breakouts or skin issues. If you aren’t washing the loofah after every use, we advise against using it,” she continued.
“For my patients dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or even infants with delicate skin, I generally recommend just using hands for cleansing,” Lynam stated.
A washcloth can be useful but not for everyday cleaning.
Taglia added that washcloths provide a “mild exfoliation,” which can help eliminate dead skin cells that cause roughness or bumps. If you find your skin is feeling rough, then a washcloth might do the trick.
However, to maintain your skin’s barrier, using a washcloth during every shower isn’t advisable.
You can also consider products like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid for exfoliation, but Lynam cautioned that these should only be used occasionally.
Be cautious with those elaborate body scrubs. “I typically don’t recommend physical exfoliants, like scrubs with beads, as they can disrupt the skin barrier,” she said.
And if you opt for a washcloth, make sure to wash it at least once a week, with some experts suggesting daily washes.
Taglia is among those who advocate for washing washcloths after each use. If that’s not practical, storing them properly is critical.
“It should be hung to dry instead of crumpled in the shower, as that can let bacteria flourish, leading to higher infection risks than simply washing with your hands,” Lynam warned.
Ultimately, you don’t need to rely on washcloths or loofahs for a good clean. Washing your body with your hands can be just as effective—even if it feels like a quick fix or something you resort to on vacation. Just like how washing your hands with soap and water works, using your hands for your body can achieve the same result.
“You can typically get your body adequately clean with just your hands,” noted Lynam.
