Bathing Hygiene: How to Stay Fresh and Keep Your Skin Happy

When it comes to hygiene, skincare routines tend to get the most attention. Oral care isn’t far behind, and neither is bedroom hygiene—which we actually talked about last week! (Be sure to check out that post.) While all of these are important, they’re also more visible—things that others can clearly see. But what about bathing hygiene? That’s something no one else sees, yet it plays a huge role in keeping your skin healthy and your body fresh.

Many people don’t realize there’s a right and wrong way to shower. It’s not just about hopping in and out as fast as possible. The products you use (and how often you use them), how you dry off, and even how frequently you change your towels all affect your skin and overall hygiene.

Here are some must-know bathing hygiene tips!

Bathing Hygiene and Exfoliation: How Often is Too Often?

Exfoliation is a game changer for your skin. It keeps your skin smooth, soft, and free from dead skin buildup. But before you start scrubbing every day, remember: balance is key. Too much of anything isn’t good.

  • Over-exfoliating can strip your skin, leading to irritation and dryness, while also reducing your skin’s natural protective bacteria, making you more prone to infections.
  • Under-exfoliating can leave your skin dull, congested, and prone to breakouts and ache.

Here’s how to get it just right:

  • Body exfoliation: 2-3 times a week is ideal. Use a gentle scrub, exfoliating gloves, or cloth or a dry brush. (P.S. Try Dove’s exfoliating scrub or an exfoliating body wash—if you do, leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!)
  • Face exfoliation: If you use a chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid), 2-3 times per week is enough. If you have sensitive skin, stick to 2x a week. If you’re using a physical scrub, reduce it to once a week to avoid irritation.
  • Foot exfoliation: Feel free to exfoliate your feet every other day—because who wants rough, cracked heels? Got a great foot scrub you love? Drop it in the comments! I’d love to try it.

Moisturizing vs. Stripping Soaps: Choose Wisely for Your Bathing Hygiene

Not all soaps are created equal, and the one you use can make or break your skin’s hydration levels.

  • Moisturizing Soaps (like Dove) – These are packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and natural oils that cleanse without stripping your skin. They’re perfect for daily use, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
  • Stripping Soaps (like Irish Spring) – These harsher soaps are designed for deep cleansing and leave your skin feeling “squeaky clean.” But that often means they’ve stripped away your natural oils. If you love that deep-clean feel, use these sparingly or rotate them with a moisturizing soap.

Locking in Moisture the Right Way: The Lotion Rule Your bathing hygiene routine needs

Want soft, hydrated skin? Here’s the biggest game-changer: Apply lotion when your skin is damp—not dripping wet—right after your shower.

This helps lock in moisture, making your lotion work 10x better than if you apply it to dry skin. Try it—your skin will thank you!

  • Body butters and oils (like shea butter or coconut oil) are amazing for deep hydration.
  • Lightweight lotions are perfect for daily moisture without feeling heavy.
  • Don’t skip areas like elbows, knees, and feet—they need extra love! (Pro tip: Try using baby oil gel on your feet.)

How Often Should You Change Your Towels for Best Bathing Hygiene

Towels collect moisture, bacteria, and dead skin cells, so using the same towel for too long can lead to skin irritation, unpleasant odors, and even body acne. Here’s your guide to towel hygiene:

  • Bath towels – Change every 3-4 uses (or daily for best practice, especially if they don’t dry properly between uses).
  • Face towels – Change daily! No excuses. Rubbing yesterday’s bacteria back onto your face can lead to breakouts and irritation.
  • Loofahs & Washcloths – Replace loofahs every 3-4 weeks and washcloths every few days to prevent bacteria buildup.

Don’t Forget the Shower Itself!

You’re getting clean, but is your shower? A dirty shower can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can transfer to your body.

  • Wipe down shower walls once a week.
  • Clean showerheads once a month to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Keep your loofah dry—don’t let it sit in a damp corner where bacteria can thrive.

Takeaway: Bathing Hygiene is More Than Just Showering

Good bathing hygiene isn’t just about hopping in the shower and scrubbing down. It’s about using the right products, knowing when to exfoliate, moisturizing at the right time, and keeping your towels and shower clean.

Your skin will thank you for it!

What’s your go-to bathing routine? Do you swear by moisturizing soaps, or are you team Irish Spring? Let’s talk in the comments!

you may also like