Scrub smarter, not harder: Doctor-backed hygiene rules you should know
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With the increase in temperature comes a less welcome companion: the battle against body odor and sweat.
Fear not, dear readers of The GrayVine, for we have delved into the world of hygiene to bring you expert advice that will keep you feeling fresh and confident all season long.
How can you avoid these unwanted additions to your life?
Dr. Noman Mohamed, a London-based cosmetic dermatologist, is on a mission to dispel myths and enlighten us with hygiene hacks that are often overlooked.
With a following on social media, Dr. Mohamed shares pearls of wisdom that could revolutionize your daily routine.
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: Timing is Everything
One of the first tips Dr. Mohamed offers is the optimal use of antiperspirants. Unlike deodorant, which simply masks odor, antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking sweat glands.
The doctor's advice? Apply your antiperspirant at night. This might seem counterintuitive, but it's during these quieter hours that your sweat glands take a break, allowing the product to work its magic more effectively.
The Battle Against Smelly Extremities
Moving on to a more pungent topic, Dr. Mohamed suggests using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser for those parts of the body prone to odor, such as feet and armpits.
This ingredient, commonly found in acne treatments, is a powerful ally in keeping you smelling fresh.
Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed recommends shaving underarms to reduce body odor. Hair can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to a stronger scent.
By removing underarm hair, you're less likely to harbor these odor-causing culprits.
Also read: Experts reveal the shocking benefits of wearing socks to bed–Should you start doing this?
The Nose Knows: Uncovering Hidden Odors
Dr. Mohamed offers a simple, albeit slightly unsettling, test to determine if you're washing effectively: the sniff test.
By checking the scent of your finger after touching behind your ears or your belly button, you can identify neglected areas in your washing routine.
It's a quick reality check that reminds us to be thorough in our personal care.
Shampoo, Condition, Then Cleanse
For those battling body acne, the order in which you wash in the shower can make a difference.
Source: @drnomzzy / Tiktok.
Dr. Mohamed advises shampooing and conditioning your hair before washing your body. This sequence ensures that any pore-clogging residue from hair products is washed away and doesn't linger on your skin.
Mary Futher, a clean beauty founder and product developer known as Madame Sweat on social media, echoes the importance of a meticulous washing routine.
?
Source: @madamesweat / Youtube.
With her expertise in personal cleanliness, she emphasizes the need to wash feet thoroughly, including between the toes, to prevent odor.
Futher also suggests steering clear of everyday body wash for underarms and instead opting for a natural antibacterial soap. A 20-second scrub can significantly improve the effectiveness of your deodorant.
This might be interesting: Tiny creatures could be living on your face! Are you at risk?
Don't Forget the Neck and Scalp
Lastly, Futher reminds us to clean our necks and massage our scalps when washing our hair.
This not only feels great but also helps eliminate product buildup and excess oils that can lead to discomfort and odor.
You might be thinking, “I've been washing myself my whole life; what's new?”
But as we age, our skin changes, and so do our hygiene needs.
Source: @madamesweat / Instagram.
The GrayVine community values staying informed and adapting to these changes to maintain our health and well-being.
Let's recap the hygiene tips:
1. Apply antiperspirant at night for maximum effectiveness.
2. Use benzoyl peroxide cleanser on odor-prone areas.
3. Consider shaving underarms to reduce odor.
4. Perform the sniff test to ensure you're washing all the necessary areas.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair before cleansing your body to prevent body acne.
6. Wash feet thoroughly and use natural antibacterial soap for underarms.
7. Clean your neck and massage your scalp during hair washing.
Read next: The surprising truth about how long you can really leave wet clothes in the washer—find out now!
Have you tried any of these hygiene tips? Do you have any personal hygiene tricks that have served you well over the years? Or perhaps you have questions about adapting your routine as you age? Share your insights, experiences, and queries in the comments below!
Fear not, dear readers of The GrayVine, for we have delved into the world of hygiene to bring you expert advice that will keep you feeling fresh and confident all season long.
How can you avoid these unwanted additions to your life?
Dr. Noman Mohamed, a London-based cosmetic dermatologist, is on a mission to dispel myths and enlighten us with hygiene hacks that are often overlooked.
With a following on social media, Dr. Mohamed shares pearls of wisdom that could revolutionize your daily routine.
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: Timing is Everything
One of the first tips Dr. Mohamed offers is the optimal use of antiperspirants. Unlike deodorant, which simply masks odor, antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking sweat glands.
The doctor's advice? Apply your antiperspirant at night. This might seem counterintuitive, but it's during these quieter hours that your sweat glands take a break, allowing the product to work its magic more effectively.
Dr. Noman Mohamed, a cosmetic dermatologist, shared little-known hygiene tips on social media, appropriate for the upcoming summer months. Image source: Bruce Mars / Unsplash.
The Battle Against Smelly Extremities
Moving on to a more pungent topic, Dr. Mohamed suggests using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser for those parts of the body prone to odor, such as feet and armpits.
This ingredient, commonly found in acne treatments, is a powerful ally in keeping you smelling fresh.
Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed recommends shaving underarms to reduce body odor. Hair can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to a stronger scent.
By removing underarm hair, you're less likely to harbor these odor-causing culprits.
Also read: Experts reveal the shocking benefits of wearing socks to bed–Should you start doing this?
The Nose Knows: Uncovering Hidden Odors
Dr. Mohamed offers a simple, albeit slightly unsettling, test to determine if you're washing effectively: the sniff test.
By checking the scent of your finger after touching behind your ears or your belly button, you can identify neglected areas in your washing routine.
It's a quick reality check that reminds us to be thorough in our personal care.
Shampoo, Condition, Then Cleanse
For those battling body acne, the order in which you wash in the shower can make a difference.
Source: @drnomzzy / Tiktok.
Dr. Mohamed advises shampooing and conditioning your hair before washing your body. This sequence ensures that any pore-clogging residue from hair products is washed away and doesn't linger on your skin.
Mary Futher, a clean beauty founder and product developer known as Madame Sweat on social media, echoes the importance of a meticulous washing routine.
?
Source: @madamesweat / Youtube.
With her expertise in personal cleanliness, she emphasizes the need to wash feet thoroughly, including between the toes, to prevent odor.
Futher also suggests steering clear of everyday body wash for underarms and instead opting for a natural antibacterial soap. A 20-second scrub can significantly improve the effectiveness of your deodorant.
This might be interesting: Tiny creatures could be living on your face! Are you at risk?
Don't Forget the Neck and Scalp
Lastly, Futher reminds us to clean our necks and massage our scalps when washing our hair.
This not only feels great but also helps eliminate product buildup and excess oils that can lead to discomfort and odor.
You might be thinking, “I've been washing myself my whole life; what's new?”
But as we age, our skin changes, and so do our hygiene needs.
Source: @madamesweat / Instagram.
The GrayVine community values staying informed and adapting to these changes to maintain our health and well-being.
Let's recap the hygiene tips:
1. Apply antiperspirant at night for maximum effectiveness.
2. Use benzoyl peroxide cleanser on odor-prone areas.
3. Consider shaving underarms to reduce odor.
4. Perform the sniff test to ensure you're washing all the necessary areas.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair before cleansing your body to prevent body acne.
6. Wash feet thoroughly and use natural antibacterial soap for underarms.
7. Clean your neck and massage your scalp during hair washing.
Read next: The surprising truth about how long you can really leave wet clothes in the washer—find out now!
Have you tried any of these hygiene tips? Do you have any personal hygiene tricks that have served you well over the years? Or perhaps you have questions about adapting your routine as you age? Share your insights, experiences, and queries in the comments below!
