That bacteria, which you wind up moving from your body onto your face (or vice versa) with your towel, is not good. According to dermatologist Sejal Shah, "Bacteria, fungus, dead skin cells, oils and other debris can collect on the towel," which can become the culprit of skin "infections, acne flares, and irritation."
Using a wash cloth can also cause friction and irritation if you're prone to skin conditions like rosacea, acne or eczema. “If used to vigorously or too often, mechanical exfoliation in this way can lead to inflammation and irritation in the skin, resulting in poorer skin health and appearance”, Dr Barnish confirms.
It's okay to use a washcloth-with a few major caveats. Do opt for a baby washcloth, which will be softer and less likely to irritate your skin, suggests Rouleau. But don't ever (ever!) scrub your face with it: "Even a little irritation from washcloths can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation overtime," says Zeichner.
A washcloth is the best natural manual exfoliator, promoting smoother & healthier skin. Skin no longer feels flaky & rough as the excess dirt, oils & odour-causing bacteria will be lifted up & washed away properly with a washcloth.
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.
“I love a good washcloth,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel tells Byrdie, explaining that they can be used to exfoliate your skin as you wash away the day's makeup, dirt, and grime.
With that said, if you want to avoid as much bacteria, fungi, and mold growth as possible, it's best to change your washcloth daily, Dr. Vij and Dr. Tierno say. After you shower, they both recommend, rinse your washcloth to get rid of as many dead skin cells and bacteria as possible.
Wash them after three uses maximum.
"It's important to wash them frequently—not only do they have close contact with your face, but they can also absorb water or sweat and become breeding grounds for bacteria."
“Water is excellent at washing off sweat and dust and the normal lint that we pick up around us every day, [while] soap is really good at pulling oils out of the skin,” Dr. Greiling says.
You may be using unnecessary products.
"Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.
Boar Bristle Body Brush
Another very affordable alternative to a loofah or a washcloth is a body brush, made out of boar bristles. It is highly recommendable for gentle and abrasive skin.
It protects your skin's natural barrier
Your skin works hard all night building its own natural barrier against the world (a layer of helpful oils keeps skin soft), so why strip it all away as soon as you wake up with a face wash? “Washing your face in the morning can strip your natural defense barrier,” says Carlen.
Washcloths are relatively inexpensive and can easily be washed, making them very cost-effective. Alternatively, though, washcloths do have some faults. Similar to a loofah, washcloths tend to harbor bacteria, mold, and other germs.
Microfiber can help remove oil, makeup, and dead skin cells all at once, making it an ideal choice for washcloths. The fabric is also lint-free, so you don't have to wash them separately or worry about residue being left behind on your 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.
The three areas, according to one doctor, you really only need to wash with soap are your armpits, groin and feet. The rest of your body is good with a simple rinse of water.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
But just because you're scrubbing up doesn't mean every single hygiene task should happen in the shower. In fact, experts say there's one body part that you shouldn't actually wash in the shower: your face.
Summary. Dermatologists often recommend washing your skin twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) to remove dirt that has accumulated on skin as well as makeup.
Germs can also get onto outer clothing if you handle contaminated food or brush against a soiled object. Most germs can survive on fabrics for some time.
A washcloth will come in handy when cleansing their body and gently scrubbing their scalp. It can also help with rinsing to avoid getting soap in their eyes, as well as drying off afterward.
How often should I wash my bath towels? Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels. You can of course change them more often.