Who taught you to wash? There are hundreds of books on how to clean just about anything, but why don't anyone talk about how to take care of the body? You can use proper washing techniques and choose the right products for your personal hygiene, in order to thoroughly remove dirt and prevent it from returning. Keep yourself clean inside and out.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Wash Properly
Step 1. Start with the basics
Washing thoroughly means first of all understanding what all this entails. There are numerous types of solvents, soaps, cleansers, exfoliants and so on to get rid of almost all the impurities found on the body. Once this is clear, we need to start with the basics. When you wash, you essentially have to eliminate three types of substances. Each of them requires a different cleansing method.
- You have to delete it first dirt and various impurities, which nestle almost everywhere. Just to get an idea, sitting in a clean room also makes you dirty.
- Secondly, there are the dead cells, which are constantly expelled from the skin.
- Finally, the subcutaneous sebum, not just the superficial one.
Step 2. Understand why you get so dirty so you can counter the cause
Dirt and all other foreign residues found on the skin surface tend to adhere to the skin for two reasons. They generally have a cohesive property and / or mix with the sebum, which is constantly secreted to protect the epidermis from the surrounding environment. For this reason, even the dust that ends up on the skin eventually takes on a slush-like consistency.
- There are two types of body secretions: sebum and water (sweat). These secretions and the substances that mix with them are eliminated more effectively using a product that breaks down the greasy matter, increasing its solubility and allowing it to be washed off easily. That's what soap is for.
- Regardless of the additives used to make it scented, creamy, colored and so on, the goal of the soap is to break down the greasy matter and eliminate it from the body. Almost everyone thinks that washing ends here, but they are wrong. Keep reading!
Step 3. Wash less often, but wash better
How often do you really need to bathe or shower? No more than three or four times a week. According to recent studies, nearly 60% of people shower every day, but washing less often has been shown to help the body optimize its self-cleansing mechanism. The more effectively it cleans itself, the healthier and cleaner you will be, inside and out.
- The more you shampoo, the more you deprive your hair of natural sebum. As a result, the body will have to produce more of it to compensate. If you decrease the frequency with which you wash, you will see that the skin will be much less oily and smelly between one wash and another.
- Someone needs to shower more frequently. For example, if you sweat a lot or have excessively oily skin, you may need to shower twice a day, but use a suitable moisturizer. Everyone has different needs.
Step 4. Choose a good soap
What kind? When buying soap, you essentially have to look for three characteristics. It should remove dirt, break down sebum and impurities, run off without leaving a patina. Many products are effective for this purpose, from classic soaps to organic handmade soaps.
- Some soaps leave more or less residue than others. Here's how to do a simple test. Take a clean glass panel or a glass, goblet, plate and so on (it must be transparent). Grease an area with a small amount of cold fat (bacon, meat fat, oil). Rinse with cold water. Take a soap (solid or liquid) and rub it firmly on part of the stain. Rinse with clean water without rubbing and allow the surface to air dry. Look at the glass against the light and compare the greasy part you didn't wash with the one you cleaned. A poor quality soap will leave a dull patina next to the greasy matter, while a good soap will leave the glass clear. What remains on the surface after washing it also remains on your skin.
- Medicated shampoos and soaps are sometimes recommended for those with dry or flaky skin, while in other cases you can choose natural or organic ingredients, which do not harm the body in general.
Step 5. Do something to get rid of the dead skin, which causes most bad smells
Regardless of the advertisements for antibacterial products, which promise to eliminate bad odors, it is rare that simple good personal hygiene does not do wonders. If you've ever walked into a gym, you've probably noticed a distinct smell. This is caused by dead skin cells and oil, which ferment and decompose on clothes left in lockers. A humid environment associated with dead cells is a breeding ground for bacterial proliferation.
- Try using a scrub or loofah sponge. Exfoliating products usually contain ingredients such as nut shells, sugar, or otherwise grainy substances. They can then be used to eliminate dead skin cells. They are generally available in the form of gel or soap. The loofah sponges have a consistency that allows you to exfoliate the skin and eliminate dead cells. They also trap bacteria, so if you try to use one, it's important to wash it thoroughly and change it regularly.
- You can also learn how to make a homemade scrub. One of the simplest is the sugar one. There are many recipes. To make an easy one, just mix two tablespoons of sugar with enough olive oil or honey to get the consistency of toothpaste.
Step 6. Consider the water temperature
For a deep cleanse, take a rather hot shower or bath, as cold water won't break down the subcutaneous oil. To free the pores, you need to open them and promote the secretion of the impurities they contain. In fact, bacteria can proliferate inside them. The buildup of sebum can cause a variety of ailments, from acne to necrotizing fasciitis. The heat method is the easiest to dilate them. Physical activity can also have the same effect, because it directly impacts both sweat glands and pores. In any case, heat alone is equally effective. Taking a nice warm bath is ideal, but a quick shower is also fine. Make sure it promotes perspiration and opening of pores, allowing you to rid them of impurities.
- Be careful of hot water, especially if you have dry skin. How to regulate? The ideal temperature may be slightly lower than you think. If the water is excessively hot (above 49 ° C), it will dry out the skin and can cause long-term skin problems. Instead, it shouldn't exceed your body temperature.
- Try finishing your shower with a quick rinse with cold water. This helps to compact the skin and close the pores. This way they will not trap dirt and other residues removed by washing.
Step 7. Wash the creases and hollows of the body
Exfoliating your skin with a sponge or cloth will help you completely get rid of dead or peeling skin cells. Make sure you scrub these parts twice: once when you apply the soap and once when you do the final rinse. Focus on the following areas: armpits, behind the ears, under the jaw and chin, behind the knees and between the toes. Cultures of odor-causing bacteria proliferate in these areas. This happens due to the sweat that gets trapped in the epidermis. Make sure you wash them well every time you shower or bathe.
- Also wash your buttocks and private parts, so be sure to rinse well. Soap residues can irritate them.
- After washing, also make sure to dry yourself completely: before getting dressed, your body should no longer perspire. If you have washed thoroughly, the moisture absorbed by your clothes will dry and emit little or no odor. Dead cells are constantly eliminated. However, immediately after you wash, there will be significantly less left on your clothes, so they won't bother you and won't cause bad odors.
Step 8. Before showering, do a facial steam treatment
Some people enjoy purifying fumes and take very hot showers because of the steam. It is an effective method for dilating pores and promoting perspiration. However, remember that this is a different ritual than a shower or bath.
Before taking a shower, place a warm towel on your face, on which you have poured a drop or two of essential oil of peppermint or tea tree. It is an effective treatment for dilating pores and eliminating toxins, without damaging the skin in the shower
Step 9. Shampoo and conditioner three or four times a week
Wet your hair well and pour a small amount of shampoo on your palm. Massage your scalp for a minute or two to create a lather. Be sure to massage the shampoo into the area behind the ears, where the most sebum forms. Then, go over the back of your head and let it flow over the lengths.
Rinse the shampoo off thoroughly, running your fingers through the strands as you go. If your hair is still slippery, then you haven't gotten rid of it completely, so it will get fat within 24 hours. Repeat the process with the conditioner to strengthen the hair. Rinse it completely
Step 10. Dry yourself well
After your shower, be sure to pat your body dry with a clean towel. Water that remains on the skin can cause irritation. Try to do this as soon as you finish washing.
Part 2 of 2: Always Be Healthy and Clean
Step 1. Wash your towels regularly
What to do with the towel you use every time you wash? How many times to use it before it starts to smell bad? The fibers accumulate dead cells and sebum that have remained on the skin following poor cleansing. To prevent this, you need to exfoliate the skin with a sponge, glove, brush, or other suitable tool. The secret is to get rid of dead cells and greasy matter as much as possible before dabbing the skin with a towel.
- To keep your body as clean as possible, it is important to wash towels regularly and store them properly when dry. Wash them every two or three uses.
- Never leave a wet towel on the bathroom floor, otherwise it will mold and get dirty right away. It is important to hang it well and let it dry completely.
Step 2. Try using a mineral deodorant instead of a classic one
Organic rock alum deodorants eliminate odor-causing bacteria and also help cleanse the lymph nodes. When you start using one, you may smell strong for a week or two, but don't give up. In fact, this means that it is killing all the bacteria that have accumulated with the use of a regular deodorant.
- To keep odors in check as the body excretes toxins, purchase essential oils (such as lavender, rose, lemon, or a purifying blend) for therapeutic use. Apply them directly under the armpits to combat bad odor.
- Avoid antiperspirants. In this society, sweat is believed to be disgusting and unsightly, but preventing the armpits from sweating means blocking the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body. Their functions are numerous, for example they help to keep the immune system strong, to eliminate toxins and even bad smells.
Step 3. Moisturize the skin
After every bath or shower, try to apply a moisturizer for beautiful, healthy skin. Even if you have oily skin, you need to keep it well hydrated. Commercially available creams usually contain various lipids and other compounds naturally generated by the body. Prefer water-based ones.
Identify problem areas, such as your heels, elbows, and knees. Apply the cream every night before going to sleep. It can help soften the skin and make it healthier overall
Step 4. Try to make face masks consistently
Facial treatments can be used regularly throughout the week to cleanse and firm the skin. There is a wide variety of natural remedies and ingredients that can be right for you. Try the following:
- Use honey, lemon, milk, chickpea flour, green tea, fresh fruit like papaya, mango, oranges, and lime.
- You can also buy a ready-made mask. Read the ingredients list to find out which ingredients were used so you can make them at home.
Step 5. Try products containing natural and organic ingredients
Shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, deodorants, makeup, and hairspray can all help you have a healthier body. When you use products full of toxins and harmful chemicals, they compromise the body's health and its ability to regulate itself.
- Avoid shampoos, conditioners, or body wash containing propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate (or sodium lauryl ether sulfate). These substances can cause hair loss or dryness, skin dryness, product buildup, itching and sometimes allergic reactions.
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Try using homemade alternatives. For some, washing thoroughly means avoiding commercial products altogether, so that they focus on gentler home remedies. Instead of shampoo, you can use baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and warm water. If you want to know more, read the following articles:
- How to cleanse the body naturally.
- How to have a smooth and clean skin.
- How To Make A Simple Homemade Face Scrub.
- How To Make Your Own Shower Gel.
- How to prepare the bubble bath at home.
- How To Make Soap At Home.
- How to Create a Personalized Shampoo.
Deep Clean Your Body Step 16 Step 6. Try to be clean inside and out
To do this, it is important to eat well and hydrate yourself. Nutrition has a direct impact on skin and hair health, so good nutrition is essential for an effective cleansing routine.
- If you are on a weight loss diet, you may be missing out on important nutrients, so don't starve and completely cut out carbohydrates and fats.
- Try getting more antioxidants through your diet. Drink green tea and eat tomatoes every day. In the morning, when you are on an empty stomach, try to eat some basil leaves or fenugreek seeds left to soak. They are natural remedies commonly used to cleanse.
Advice
- Even exfoliating once or twice a week allows you to eliminate dead cells and greasy matter that has accumulated.
- To wash yourself, it is good to prefer hot water to cold water. However, try to shampoo with cold water, as it smooths and closes the cuticles, making your hair look silky and shiny.
- Watch the progress made. How many days does it take before your towel starts to smell like a locker room? If it is a matter of a few days, you need to make a lot of improvements. If it's a month, you're doing a great job. Before it starts to smell bad, it's generally normal to use it three to four times a week for two to three weeks.
- If you have skin problems, use medicated products. Each skin type has special needs, so there are no products that are universally suitable for everyone. Very sensitive skin may not react well to all-natural peppermint soaps, while excessively dry or flaky skin may respond better to an oat-based shower gel, which has emollient properties. Talk to a dermatologist to find out which products and methods to use to address your specific skin problems.
