It’s also important to wash your body to meet social and professional standards. Many workplaces and employers require good hygiene practices. Out of all the loofahs we tested, this was our favorite. It was very effective at cleansing and exfoliating, it was able to reach the entire body, and it’s a hygienic, long-lasting option. Most exfoliating washcloths have reinforced edges to minimize fraying. However, after a few months of use, it’s common for fraying to occur, even in well-made cloths. For this reason, it’s recommended that you replace your exfoliating washcloth every few months. Roughness

When it comes to the cleansing process, a good washcloth is essential. “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. For an everyday, super foamy shower, this loofah is the best. Body wash lathered up significantly more than it usually does, making the skin feel clean and soft. Thanks to the fine mesh, it’s not rough on the skin whatsoever, but it has enough texture that it gently exfoliates and softens without irritation. Many consumers pair their exfoliating washcloth with a moisturizing shower gel for two-in-one action. Once the dead skin is buffed away, the health skin beneath is more receptive to the moisturizing elements of the shower gel. Key considerations Benefits of using exfoliating washcloths While we were impressed with this device, it also fell short in a few ways. The heads felt too small (except for the massage head), so it took a while to use them over the entire body. It also felt awkward to use at times—the device has some give to it, so sometimes it was difficult to wrangle where we needed it to be. But, if you’re looking for something with all the bells and whistles, this is the option for you.However, I recommend that you put your loofah or washcloth in a place where it can completely dry afterwards, as this will prevent excessive and dangerous bacteria growth. While you may want loofah with serious physical exfoliating power to help slough off dead skin and promote circulation, a too-rough loofah can damage the skin. You want your loofah to have a soft, fine grit, explains Ross. “It shouldn’t be too rough, or it can break the skin, leading to irritation, redness, and possibly infection,” he tells Byrdie. Something like the Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator is ideal. That said, the risk of getting an infection from a loofah or washcloth is very low. You can drastically increase your chances of contracting something foul by sharing your washcloth with someone else or washing an open wound with an old loofah, but most of us have the common sense to not do that.

Another surprisingly controversial washing best practice is whether to use just your hands, a loofah, or a washcloth. Users won’t have to worry about retrieving the washcloth from the shower floor with the Sinland Microfiber Facial Cloths that come with a sewn-in loop for hanging the cloth over the shower faucet or on a hook. These super-soft washcloths feature a combination of polyester and polyamide that’s soft on the skin and allergy-free to avoid irritating acne sufferers and offer a smooth feel from a washcloth. Wash your entire body once per day: There’s lots of debate over whether it’s necessary to wash your body every day, but we’d rather be safe than stinky. Wash your entire body, including the nooks, crannies, crevices, calves, and feet, once per day. One thing worth noting: It stains easily. It’s machine washable, so I threw it in the dryer, and my makeup was very visible on it afterward. So if you want it to maintain its chic look, I recommend using stain remover and rinsing it out before tossing it in your washer/dryer. The ingredients of the Arm & Hammer body wash are vegan-friendly. But, the company and its parent company, Church & Dwight, allow animal testing when required by law, so they are not cruelty-free. It’s your choice whether or not to support this company. Body Wash vs. Soap: A Sustainability PerspectiveThe proudly vegan brand Herban Cowboy is one of the first brands to make vegan body washes crafted without animal products or harmful chemicals available and mainstream. They are recognized for their masculine scents and array of products from deodorants to cologne and perfume. Acure If you show up to a client meeting smelling like you just rolled around with a few pigs, it’s highly unlikely those clients will want to continue doing business with you, let alone the rest of your team.