It turns out that washcloths and loofahs might not be doing your skin any favors.
Dermatologists say washing with your hands is the safest and most effective way to clean your body. Your hands are less likely to irritate the skin, and unlike loofahs, they don’t sit around collecting bacteria between showers.
Loofahs can become a breeding ground for germs if they’re not cleaned after every use. That can be especially problematic for people with eczema, acne, or sensitive skin.
Washcloths get a little more love from dermatologists, but they still come with a warning. They can provide gentle exfoliation by removing dead skin cells, but using them every day may damage your skin’s protective barrier.
So, if you use a washcloth, just wash it frequently and hang it up to dry in between uses.
