Although the shower can act as a relaxing beauty ritual, we must not forget that its main objective is personal hygiene. Therefore, in addition to using the best-smelling shampoo and applying the most hydrating hair mask, it is essential that we focus on effective cleaning.
Not only because you will always smell great, but because making certain mistakes in the shower can have consequences for your health. This is evidenced by a dermatologist who, under the alias @dermguru, has 1.3 million followers on the social network TikTok, where she has shared a video announcing three striking hygiene tips in the shower.
When choosing a shower head, there are those who look for different powers. Others prefer those that incorporate filters for water impurities. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is that your shower head is clean. The dermatologist explains that in this element “disgusting bacteria form that can damage your skin and even your lungs.”
In fact, research published in ASM Journals found that bacteria of the Mycobacterium genus are abundant in shower heads. According to the article, inhalation of aerosolized mycobacteria while showering is a mode of transmission in pulmonary infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria.
Therefore, whenever you clean your bathtub or shower tray, do not forget to thoroughly disinfect and sanitize the shower head. In addition, it would be appropriate to clean it thoroughly once a month. To do this, unscrew it and let it soak for about 8 hours in a mixture of water and white vinegar.
Beyond these premises, it is appropriate to change the shower head when you see that the water flow is weakened, that the holes are encrusted, that lime buildup appears or that its elements have deteriorated.
Here's an issue that dermatologists repeatedly warn about: the sponge “is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi,” in the words of @dermguru. Various research supports this claim. As a study available in the National Library of Medicine highlights that sponges are reservoirs and vehicles for the transmission of potentially pathogenic bacterial species to human skin.
Therefore, it is best to apply the liquid soap with your hands, use a soap in bar format or use a silicone sponge.
Finally, the dermatologist refers to “neglected parts of the body.” She explains that it is common for people to forget to clean behind their ears, navel and the underside of their nails, where dirt often accumulates.
