USING A POUF

 

Poufs and loofahs are a haven¹ for bacteria -- the dead skin cells they scrub so well from our body get caught up in the nooks where bacteria can feed on them.

 

'Also, because poufs take time to dry and may well retain dead skin cells, it's a potential source of infection,' said dermatologist² Dr Sam Bunting.

 

'Over-exfoliating can damage the skin's vital barrier function, making it more susceptible³ to invasion by bugs⁴ harboured in the loofah.'

 

Plastic poufs should be replaced at least every two months.

 

To keep it clean, wet your pouf and put it on a medium heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.

 

You can also try the washing machine or dishwasher. And keep the pouf in a dry place, by an open window, rather than in the shower.

 

SHAMPOOING WITH HOT WATER

 

Stylists say it's imperative⁵ to rinse⁶ your hair for twice the amount of time as lathering⁷ on product and never use hot water.

 

'Women often wash their hair with water which is too hot, thinking it will make hair cleaner,' said Mr Barton.

 

Washing the hair in tepid⁸ water is better for the follicles with the added bonus of saving money on your bills.

 

'The hot water activates⁹ the sebaceous gland¹⁰ which secretes¹¹ oil and can leave hair greasy¹² soon after washing. Use warm, tepid water for ultra clean hair and to extend the life of your blow dry.'

 

SHOWERING IN HARD WATER

 

Dr Laura Ishmail, an aesthetic¹³ doctor, said the water in the UK is 'hard' meaning it has high levels of calcium¹⁴.

 

This can irritate the skin of people with conditions like eczema, she told MailOnline.

 

She said sufferers might want to think about installing water filters in their shower.

 

'Water filters might softer against the skin for eczema. But I would also advocate not having a shower as often,' she added.

 

WASHING YOUR FACE WITH A HARSH CLEANSER

 

Washing your face removes many bugs from the surface of our skin, particularly if you use cleansers containing alcohol as this kills bacteria.

 

Most cleansers also contain soap, and this reduces the amount of oil in our skin, which loosens the bacteria's hold -- so they fall off, explained Hugh Pennington, an emeritus¹⁵ professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen.

 

This cleanliness is short-lived, as the layer of bugs rebuilds itself within about 20 minutes.

 

The problem is that we have bacteria on our hands, and when we touch our faces, as we inevitably¹⁶ do, many of the bugs that have adapted to live on moist surfaces such as our face will quickly be transferred back.

 

USING A RAZOR

 

On a reusable razor, stubble and mould can collect in the space where the blade cartridge¹⁷ attaches to the handle. If that mould gets in contact with the skin it can cause irritation¹⁸.

 

And a moist blade kept in the shower, harbouring old hair and dead skin, can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation when shaving because the blade becomes blunt.

 

To combat this,'change a blade at the first sign that it starts to drag against the skin,' said Dr Bunting.

 

Clean blades rubbing surgical¹⁹ spirit on a cotton pad, then towel dry. And always keep your razor on a dry surface.

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