With so many exfoliation products on the market, you would never guess that the best way to exfoliate is by using a washcloth. It's so effective because washcloths work for every skin type. It's also more gentle than the name brand products on the market. This means you're less likely to over-exfoliate.
Dermatologist Ally Wheeler says, “washcloths are excellent; the only caveat is that you don't want to scrub too hard. The best way to use them is to lather up the washcloth with soap or a cleanser, and then gently scrub your skin in circular motions.”
A washcloth can help remove dead skin cells and invigorate the live cells on your face. A gentle scrubbing with a soft washcloth once a day will help keep your skin smooth and clean. But there are several things you should keep in mind when using washcloths. You should never scrub too vigorously with a washcloth.
Using a washcloth to exfoliate can be irritating to the skin and cause damage. Washcloths are often not very clean and harbor bacteria that cause breakouts.
Because of the damp, hot environment they live in, washcloths are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, says Dr. King. "When used, germs [on a dirty washcloth] are then spread or reintroduced to the skin, which can cause irritation and even infection.
But according to dermatologist Karan Sra, reusing a wash cloth can absolutely cause or exacerbate skin conditions, like acne or folliculitis (when the hair follicle becomes infected and inflamed). “Washcloths are the perfect place for bacteria to grow,” Sra explains.
A regular washcloth makes a great exfoliating device for sensitive skin. Just like dry brushing, start at your feet and create circular motions going upwards. Once you reach your arms, begin scrubbing in towards your heart. Just make sure you launder your washcloth after each use.
The easiest way to exfoliate your arms and legs is with a brush, sponge, or glove. This can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Look for a body scrub at your local pharmacy or online and lather with it in the shower. You can also try dry brushing.
She recommends using a regular terrycloth washcloth to exfoliate, instead of a fancy exfoliation wand. After moistening the washcloth with plain water, she demonstrates using gentle, circular movements to exfoliate the model's skin. No cleanser is required unless you would like to clean your face at the same time.
With our experience of treating clients who cleansed their faces using only water, their skin was duller, and tougher when compared with clients who used exfoliating cleansers. This is because water does not exfoliate dead skin cells which often accumulate on the skin's surface.
"But if you're going to choose one, wash cloths are much better than loofahs, provided you only use the cloth one time before washing it. Both can harbor bacteria, but loofahs are much more prone to doing so given all their 'nooks and crannies. '"
A washcloth (THIS is the one I swear by) is most beneficial when it's used to wipe off the make up from your face that the act of cleansing and rinsing wouldn't achieve. Also, the washcloth provides a bit of exfoliation, which further helps achieve clear and radiant skin.
“A cotton or cotton blend washcloth or hand towel is preferred for the face,” he says. “Quick-drying options for washcloths are also a great option as some work to help with exfoliating dead skin cells. Turkish cotton is a great option for your body.
'When used a couple of times a week, exfoliating gloves can help to rid skin of cell build-up which is a major cause of skin dullness and breakouts. It helps to remove the dull dead skin, making way for the fresh, healthy skin beneath it. As a result, skin can appear healthier and glowing.
Exfoliate the Skin
Use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating sponge to gently exfoliate your skin before shaving. Exfoliating will remove any dead skin and allow you to shave the hair as near to the root as possible. Harsh exfoliants aren't necessary and can actually do more harm than good in your pubic area.
Avoid abrasive physical exfoliators with harsh grains, sugar, or salt, as well as facial brushes as much as possible. “If you have breakouts, use a chemical exfoliator to fight oil and acne from a deeper level in the skin,” says Loving. “AHA and BHA acids (like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic) will be most effective.
Proper exfoliation is necessary to maintain a healthy glow. But all forms of exfoliation are not equal, and different skin types will require a customized approach to exfoliation. For sensitive skin, a washcloth and creamy cleanser two or three times a week may be all that's needed to gently remove dead skin cells.
Hand Towels are Larger
At about 16” x 30”, hand towels are larger than face towels (or washcloths) which generally measure at only 13” x 13.” It's easier to tell them apart at a glance just by seeing the size difference.
Towels & Washcloths: Every 2-3 Years
You should wash your towels and washcloths after every 3-5 uses, although some experts say your washcloth should only be used once before washing. When it comes to replacing your bath towels and washcloths, there's no hard and fast rule.
However, most people tend to re-use their washcloths, which can make acne worse. Each time you wash your face, the washcloth picks up bacteria, which then replicate on the cloth and are reintroduced to your face the next time you wash.
Using a clean, soft washcloth is effective for cleaning your face, but unless you use a new one every day, you should probably stick with using your hands to scrub, Dr. Green says. Also, ideally, you should change the towel you use to dry your face every couple of days to keep bacteria at bay, adds Dr. Gohara.
Hanging a used washcloth in a moist shower for later use is a bad idea. Bacteria thrive in moist environments such as a wet washcloth. Washing your face with a washcloth that hasn't been cleaned could spread the bacteria on your skin, potentially leading to an illness or infection.
As nouns the difference between washcloth and facecloth
is that washcloth is a small cloth used to wash the face and body while facecloth is a flannel for washing the face.
Takeaway. It's sanitary to reuse a bath towel two or three times between washes. But damp bathrooms and towels can quickly become home to many unwanted microorganisms. Regular laundry washes are sufficient for killing germs and refreshing your towels.
“To cleanse your face, gently massage your cleanser onto wet skin. Then, take a clean and damp washcloth and wipe the cleanser and make up away, ensuring you don't apply too much pressure to the skin's surface. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.”