Dermatologists Favor Hands Over Loofahs, Limit Exfoliants to 1-2 Times Weekly
Updated
Updated · HuffPost · Jun 28
Dermatologists Favor Hands Over Loofahs, Limit Exfoliants to 1-2 Times Weekly
3 articles · Updated · HuffPost · Jun 28
Summary
Dermatologists told HuffPost that hands are the safest default for washing the body, saying they clean effectively without the friction from loofahs or washcloths.
Loofahs can harbor bacteria when not washed between uses, while repeated scrubbing can damage the stratum corneum — the skin barrier that keeps pathogens out and moisture in.
Patients with eczema, psoriasis, sensitive or mature skin, acne, cysts, boils and even infants are among the groups doctors most often steer toward hand washing alone.
Washcloths still have a limited role for stuck-on dirt or mild exfoliation, but doctors said they should not be used every shower and should be washed at least weekly — ideally after each use.
Chemical exfoliants such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid should be used only once or twice a week, while gritty body scrubs are generally discouraged because they can further disrupt the skin barrier.