Washing your body with your hands rather than a shower towel or loofah may be better for skin health, according to dermatologists. Using a shower towel daily can irritate the skin barrier, and if not properly dried, it can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of infection.
The American outlet HuffPost recently reported, citing advice from dermatologists, that for most people, washing with the hands is the safest and most sufficient cleansing method.
"As a general recommendation, most dermatologists would prefer washing the body with hands over a shower towel or loofah," said Dr. Lauren Taglia, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in Illinois.
Using bar soap or body wash with the hands allows cleansing with appropriate pressure on the skin, and if the hands are washed clean before washing the body, the risk of transferring bacteria or infection-causing substances can also be reduced, according to the explanation.
People with sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis, as well as elderly people with thinning skin and infants, should be especially careful about using shower towels and loofahs. Dr. Katie Lynum, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Medical University of South Carolina, pointed out that shower towels or loofahs can cause excessive exfoliation and damage the skin barrier.
The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, blocks external pathogens and contaminants from entering the skin and helps retain moisture. When this barrier is weakened by excessive friction, the risk of skin irritation, dryness and infection can increase.
"For the kind of contamination that occurs in daily life, washing with the hands alone is generally sufficient cleansing," Lynum said.
Still, shower towels are not entirely unnecessary. When there is contamination that is difficult to remove, or when the skin feels rough with small bumps, they can help with mild exfoliation.
However, daily use should be avoided. Those who want to manage skin exfoliation can also use a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid once or twice a week. On the other hand, body scrubs containing grains or coarse particles can irritate the skin barrier and require caution.
Loofahs are difficult to wash and dry, so bacteria may grow on them. Dr. Taglia advised that people prone to acne or boils are better off not using a loofah unless they clean it every time.
After using a shower towel, care is important. Lynum explained that it should be washed at least once a week, and some experts recommend washing it after every use. After use, it should not be crumpled in a corner of the shower but hung in a well-ventilated place to dry completely.
