In childhood, we learn the basics of self-care, like handwashing and tooth brushing, but we often overlook important hygiene habits. Even how we dry ourselves after a shower and trim our nails matters. Proper drying with a soft towel can be soothing, and maintaining nail hygiene is essential to preventing issues. These seemingly small habits play a significant role in overall well-being, so it’s crucial to pay attention to them alongside the more well-known self-care practices.
List of Hygiene mistakes that Many of Us Commonly Overlook
We usually wash our faces after physical activity, not before, to remove sweat and dirt.
Prior to physical activity, experts recommend washing your face to preemptively remove makeup and dirt, sparing you the need to clean your skin after exercising. If you skip this step, it’s advisable to refrain from wiping sweat from your face to prevent pore congestion, opting instead to softly blot your skin with a cotton towel.
We trim wet nails : Hygiene
While wet nails may seem more pliable for cutting, they tend to bend and tear, creating uneven edges that can catch on clothing and cause damage. Therefore, it’s recommended to trim your nails when they are dry for a smoother and more precise result.
When brushing our teeth, we always begin in the same spot.
When we wash our teeth consistently in the same spot, we focus mostly on the teeth that are scrubbed initially. We tend to grow bored by the time we reach the teeth we brush last, so we don’t give them much care. In order to clean teeth more evenly, dentists advise against developing a brushing routine and to always start with a new tooth.
We are reliant on wet wipes’ efficiency.
Wipes that are antibacterial do eliminate germs, but only on clean hands. The alcohol in the wipes won’t be able to enter the skin if it is coated with grime or oil. In this situation, regular hand cleaning is more reliable.
Baby wipes don’t have nearly enough alcohol in them to kill germs and viruses.
We overdry our bodies after a shower.
When you get out of the shower, experts advise against wiping yourself dry. A towel is used to remove the skin’s protective dead cells. The best alternative to rubbing the skin dry is to either wait for it to dry naturally or gently pat it dry with a towel.
We use fragrant tampons and pads.
Scented feminine hygiene items can upset the skin’s pH balance, causing discomfort. Choosing hygiene products without added chemicals, such as perfumes, is wise.
Too much toothpaste is used.
Dentists disagree that using more toothpaste is better for our teeth than using less. Fluorosis can develop in youngsters who use a lot of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. This is fluoride-induced enamel degradation that can age teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay.
Children are the main victims of fluorosis. However, using excessive amounts of toothpaste with abrasive particles and vigorous brushing might damage enamel. If you use a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste each time, you can prevent all of these problems.
We always use the same antiperspirant.
Our bodies become used to antiperspirants over time. They no longer help against unwanted scents if we replace them rarely. As a result, it is thought to be beneficial to try antiperspirants from different manufacturers on a regular basis.
We cleanse our ears, but not the area behind them.
People should avoid cleaning their ears unnecessarily. However, when excessive earwax causes discomfort or hearing issues, consulting a doctor for the appropriate procedures is advisable.
Conversely, many of us overlook cleaning behind our ears, despite the regular recommendation. Neglecting this area can lead to unpleasant odors emanating from our skin. To prevent this, daily washing behind the ears with soap and water is essential.
Do you practice these habits? What additional habits would you include on the list?
Wearing damp or sweaty clothes for extended periods
Wearing damp or sweaty clothes for extended periods can lead to skin problems and unpleasant odors due to the growth of bacteria and fungi. The solution is to change into dry, clean clothing promptly after sweating, shower and dry thoroughly when possible, and choose moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent moisture buildup on the skin, while also maintaining good personal hygiene practices for overall skin health.