In the midst of taking care of your skin, it can be easy to overlook some of the more obvious environmental do’s and don’ts:
- Washcloths. Only use fresh clean washcloths. Use once, then launder before using again. Consider doing the same with towels.
- Loofahs and skin-washing netting balls (those big puffy net balls). Wash every week in the washing machine with warm or hot water to remove the build up of dead skin cells, fungus, and bacteria.
- Pillow cases. Sleep on one side, turn over and sleep on the other side. Launder before using again. Wash bed linens weekly. Buy a new mattress every couple of years.
- Daily cleansing cloths. Never reuse a cleansing cloth in an effort to save money. Discard the used cloth after one use. This means you may need to purchase two boxes every month to get 60 washings.
- Makeup. Purchase your own skin care products, foundation, and other makeup for eyes, lips, and skin. Use your own and don’t share. That way you aren’t unknowingly also sharing germs with a friend.
Make sure that your towels and bed linens are completely rinsed of all laundry detergent before using. You may need to put them through a second rinse cycle or use less detergent than the manufacturer recommends. To protect your skin from the additive and bleaches used in laundry detergents, purchase only those labeled, “free.” This designation means they don’t contain scents or bleaches. You also may also want to avoid using fabric softeners in your dryer as well.