Nothing feels better than a full body cleanse, especially after a long day or sweaty workout. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ultimate deep cleaning and personal hygiene routine so you can remove built-up dirt and grime from your body. We also interviewed board-certified dermatologist Asmi Sanghvi, DO and professional hair stylist Jenny Tran for tips on how to keep your skin and hair squeaky clean.
Keeping Your Body Clean: At a Glance
Shower or bathe with warm water and a fragrance-free body cleanser. Focus on washing your armpits, feet, groan, and the folds and pits of your body. To get rid of dirt from the skin, exfoliate your body with a body brush, sponge, loofah, or scrub, and apply moisturizer immediately afterwards.
Steps
Deep Cleaning Your Hair & Body
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Shower 3 to 4 times per week. While most people shower or bathe daily, studies show that it isn’t necessary unless you’re particularly grimy or sweaty. [1] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Overcleaning your body can lead to skin issues, such as dryness, irritation, and cracking, and the fragrances and additives in bath products can cause allergic reactions. Instead, stick to showering or bathing 3 to 4 times a week to maintain the natural oils and “good” bacteria on your skin.
- Some people need to shower more than others. If you engage in sweaty workouts or are regularly exposed to allergens and toxins outdoors, you may need to shower every day. If you’ve spent all day indoors, you can probably skip the shower and take one the next day. Everyone's body is different. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Use a gentle, fragrance-free body cleanser. Instead of a harsh soap, choose a gentle skin cleanser that doesn’t have any dye, fragrances, or preservatives. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Your cleanser should remove dirt and grime, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. If you want a squeaky clean feeling after showering, opt for a traditional bar soap or shower gel with moisturizing ingredients. [4] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- Cleansing helps rinse away dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils that cause body odor.
- Fragrance draws moisture out of the skin, so avoid scented soaps and body washes. Even if your skin isn’t easily irritated, look for products that are labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin.” [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Exfoliate your skin using scrubs or body tools for a deeper clean. When your dead skin cells come into contact with sweat, it can produce an unpleasant body odor. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Consider using a body brush , sponge , loofah , or body scrub to exfoliate your skin and get a deep clean. If you’re using a scrub, apply the product using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse off with lukewarm water. If you’re using a brush, scrub, or loofah, use short light strokes. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you use a sponge or loofah, be sure to clean it regularly to avoid bacteria and mold growth. You can soak it in a diluted bleach solution for 5 minutes each week and store it in a dry place.
- Store-bought exfoliators usually have ingredients like sugar, sea salt, or walnut shell, but you can always make your own face or body scrub at home. There are lots of different recipes online, but a basic version involves mixing two tablespoons of sugar with enough olive oil and honey to get the consistency of toothpaste.
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Focus on washing your armpits, feet, and groin. These are places that are bacteria-prone and are likely to smell. [8] X Research source You should also target the folds and pits of your body, where sweat can get trapped in the layers of the skin. This includes the area behind your ears, under your chin and jawline, behind your knees, and between your toes. Be sure to rub everywhere twice, once while washing with cleanser and a second time when rinsing with clean water.
- If you’re concerned about smelling on days you don’t shower, gently clean your armpits and genitals with a clean washcloth to keep the odor away. [9] X Research source
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5Use a gentle, unscented soap to wash your butt and genitals. Apply a small amount of soap to your hands, spread your buttocks apart, and clean the outer buttocks area first. Gently wash the area around the anus, then rinse with warm water. [10] X Research source For a deeper clean, use a handheld shower head to target the area and rinse it thoroughly.
- Washing your penis : Lather a mild, unscented soap in your hands and apply it to your testicles, the base and shaft of your penis, and under the head of your penis. Rinse well to ensure there’s no soapy residue. If you’re uncircumcised, gently pull back the foreskin, clean underneath, then replace it after rinsing it thoroughly. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Washing your vagina : Gently spread your outer labia and clean the folds around your clitoris, making sure to wash around the hood of your clitoris and the area outside the entrance to your vagina. You can use a gentle, unscented soap, but warm water works just fine. Just make sure you don’t get any soap inside your vagina, since that can be drying and irritating. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Shower or bathe in warm water to avoid drying out your skin. While using hot water can dissolve dirt and oil more easily than cold water, it can also strip your skin and cause dryness, irritation, and itchiness. Showering with warm water is good enough to keep your body fresh and clean. [13] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source So, stick to a warm shower or bath to deep clean your body, and try to keep it around 10 minutes or less. [14] X Research source
- Lukewarm water is between 98º and 105º F (36.7 to 40.6º C). Temperatures between 130º and 140º F (54.4 to 60º C) kill most harmful bacteria, but it can increase the risk of scalding. [15] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
- Consider ending your shower by rinsing your body with cold water for one to two minutes. This closes your pores, which can make your skin look healthier, plus improve your circulation and reduce inflammation. [16] X Research source
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Shampoo and condition your hair 2 to 4 times per week. Wet your hair thoroughly and apply about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo into your palm. Rub your hands through your hair, lathering the shampoo and massaging it into your scalp for 1 to 2 minutes. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Make sure to work the shampoo into the area behind your ears since oils can build up there. Then, make sure to lather it up at the back of the head and wash the tips of your hair.
- Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly, running your fingers through the stands as you go. If your hair is still slippery, that means the shampoo isn't out, and your hair will get greasy over the next 24 hours. Repeat this process with a conditioner to strengthen your hair. Rinse it out completely.
- “Everyone's hair type needs a different level of moisture,” says Tran. “The more moisture you need, the longer you should go between shampooing. Eventually, your body will recognize that it no longer needs to produce an excessive amount of oil to hydrate your scalp.”
EXPERT TIPProfessional Hair StylistPatrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.Wash your hair every other day or every third day. Most people do not need to wash [their hair] every day. Every other day or every third day is what we recommend, especially since the natural oil from your scalp protects your hair.
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Dry yourself thoroughly and moisturize your skin. Immediately after bathing or showering, pat your skin dry, then rub a fragrance-free moisturizer all over your body. This helps lock moisture in the skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Some good brands for moisturizer include: Cerave, Cetaphil, and Aveeno. [19] X Research source
- Even if you have oily skin, you need to moisturize daily to keep your skin hydrated.
- Identify problem areas, like the heels of your feet, your elbows, and your knees, and apply moisturizer to those areas every night before bed. This can help soften your skin and improve its overall health.
Deep Cleansing Your Face
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1Wash your face with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. To remove any impurities and oils from your face, wet your face with lukewarm water and apply an alcohol-free cleanser over your face and neck. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions, and then rinse and pat dry. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Look for cleansers that say “gentle” or “moisturizing” on the label to avoid drying out your skin. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you’re wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with a cleansing balm before applying your cleanser. This removes excess oil and sebum from your skin for a deeper clean. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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2Steam your face to remove any remaining dead skin cells. Steaming opens up your pores and loosens oil and sebum, making your cleansing more effective. Just fill a pot with one to two cups of water and bring it to a boil. Pour the steaming water into a glass or ceramic bowl, then lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head and the bowl. Close your eyes and remain about a foot away from the bowl to avoid a steam burn. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you like, add 1-2 drops of spearmint , peppermint , or lavender essential oil to the steaming water for aromatherapy.
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Apply a face mask to purify and tighten your skin. Facial treatments, like packs or masks, can be used regularly to cleanse your face. Choose a mask based on your skin type and skin needs. If you have oily skin, for example, pick a mask with salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, stick to a mask with hyaluronic acid. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Follow the instructions on your product’s packaging to see how long you should leave it on. Generally, you can leave most face masks on for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- You can also make a face mask at home with ingredients like honey, lemon, milk, yogurt, aloe vera, papaya, and coffee.
- According to Dr. Sanghvi, you can “purify the skin” with a DIY face mask. Just combine “one tablespoon of powdered clay with two tablespoons of water, then mix in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder.”
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4Use a dime- to nickel-sized amount of moisturizer all over your face. As the final step in your skincare routine, apply small dots of the moisturizer on areas like your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently rub the moisturizer into your skin using circular motions in an upward and outward direction. You can gently massage your skin to help the moisturizer sink in—just be extra careful around your eye area since the skin is thinner. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- The amount of moisturizer you need depends on your skin and product type. If you have oily or combination skin, apply a nickel-sized amount of a water-based moisturizer on your skin. If you have dry skin, apply a dime-sized dollop of moisturizing cream or ointment . [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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Wash your towels every 3 to 5 uses. Dead skin cells and bacteria can accumulate on your towels, so it’s important to change your towels often. Wash your towels in cold water on a delicate cycle, and add a tiny bit of bleach if your towel smells funky. [32] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria, so hang your towels on a towel rack so it dries completely.
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Apply an antiperspirant and deodorant to minimize body odor. Deodorants repel the bacteria that causes odor, while antiperspirants reduce how much you sweat. Choose an underarm product that’s labeled “antiperspirant,” and apply it after your shower or bath. [33] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Alternatively, use a mineral deodorant if you prefer natural ingredients or have sensitive skin.
- If over-the-counter products don’t help, your healthcare provider can prescribe a strong antiperspirant. [34] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Use products that contain natural and organic ingredients. Your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, deodorant, makeup, and hairspray can affect your overall health and well-being. [35] X Research source When you apply products that are full of toxins and harsh chemicals, it can cause serious health issues, such as congenital disabilities and reproductive harm. [36] X Research source So, consider making your own products with our DIY recipes:
- How to Make Shampoo
- How to Make Your Own Soap
- How to Make Homemade Shower Gel
- How to Make a Homemade Body Wash
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Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. It's important to stay hydrated and eat healthy if you want to be clean from the inside out. Your diet has a direct impact on the health of your skin and your hair, meaning that good nutrition is part of a good cleaning regimen. [37] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- When you're on a diet to lose weight, you can miss out on important nutrients, so don't starve yourself or completely eliminate carbs and fats.
- Try increasing the number of antioxidants in your diet. Drink green tea and eat more berries, dark chocolate, beans, pecans, spinach, and artichokes. [38] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat can I do if I can't reach my back to wash the dirt off?Community AnswerGet a back scrubber. It is usually a loofa or soft brush attached to a long stick. Lather the loofa or brush end up with soap, then use it to scrub your back.
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QuestionHow do I clean dirt from a difficult place on my back?Community AnswerGet a back scrubber. This item is a loofah or soft sponge attached to a long stick.
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QuestionHow do I make my skin look healthier?Community AnswerStart by applying a good moisturizer after you shower. Within a few weeks, your skin should look better and healthier. You could also try exfoliating once or twice a week.
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Reader Videos
Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!
Tips
- Wash your body from top to bottom to allow all the soap to rinse off. Start by washing your hair, then thoroughly rinse the soap off before moving on to your face and body.Thanks
- Using a fan or blower on cool to circulate air around your body is a great way to dry and cool your body. If you can do this out of the steamy hot room, even better!Thanks
- It's a good idea to use warm water to clean your body, but try using cold water to wash your hair. Tran recommends “rinsing [your hair] with warm water to open up the hair cuticle…then rinsing with cool water to seal in hydration.”Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Soaps which consist of natural and ayurvedic substances like neem, turmeric, lemon, etc, will help clear the bacteria and keep your skin fresh longer.
- If you don’t have dry skin, try wiping down your neck, armpits, and feet with rubbing alcohol to help kill the bacteria growing there.
Warnings
- Never exfoliate if you have open cuts, wounds, scabs, or if your skin is sunburned. [42] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
- Always perform a patch test before using a new skincare product. [43] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Rub a small amount of the product onto a small patch of your inner wrist, then wait 24 hours to see if your skin is red or irritated. If so, do not incorporate it into your routine.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-do-you-really-need-to-take-a-shower
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/evening-vs-morning-shower
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health/personal-care/smarter-should-you-use-bar-soap-or-body-wash-a9298499866/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-do-you-really-need-to-take-a-shower
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- ↑ https://health.unl.edu/you-asked-we-answered-showering-every-day-bad-you-and-other-hygiene-questions/
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/how-often-should-you-bathe
- ↑ https://sautiplus.org/opinions/are-you-sure-you-are-cleaning-your-butt-crack-the-right-way/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15666-penis-health
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-healthy
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/whats-best-temperature-water-shower-kill-bacteria
- ↑ https://health.unl.edu/you-asked-we-answered-showering-every-day-bad-you-and-other-hygiene-questions/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/whats-best-temperature-water-shower-kill-bacteria
- ↑ https://www.ctnaturalhealth.com/end-showers-cold-water/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/tips-for-healthy-hair
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-do-you-really-need-to-take-a-shower
- ↑ https://health.unl.edu/you-asked-we-answered-showering-every-day-bad-you-and-other-hygiene-questions/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/double-cleansing-explained
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-steaming-your-face-good-for-your-skin
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/nail-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-changing-body-puberty-in-girls
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-germ-magnet-of-a-bath-towel
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-that-smell-common-and-less-common-causes-of-body-odor
- ↑ https://natrue.org/3-reasons-to-switch-to-natural-and-organic-cosmetics/
- ↑ https://www.ewg.org/the-toxic-twelve-chemicals-and-contaminants-in-cosmetics
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/add-antioxidants-to-your-diet/art-20546814
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/index.html
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products
About This Article
To deep clean your body, bathe or shower at least 3-4 times a week and wash your skin with gentle soap and warm water. Use a loofah, washcloth, or gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin and deep-set dirt. When cleaning up, pay special attention to parts of your body where dirt and sweat tend to build up, such as your underarms, the areas behind your ears, and between your toes. To open up the pores on your face and release excess oils and dirt, steam your face with a hot towel before you shower. You might also find it helpful to use facial masks a few times a week to deeply clean and moisturize your skin. Don’t forget to shampoo your hair, too. Depending on your hair and scalp type, you may need to wash your hair anywhere from every day to 3-4 times a week. After you bathe or shower, thoroughly pat yourself dry with a clean, dry towel since lingering moisture could irritate your skin. To keep your skin healthy, always moisturize after you wash it. Remember to keep your body clean both inside and out—drink plenty of water and eat healthy, minimally processed foods, which will also help keep your skin, hair, and nails looking their best. For more tips on deep cleaning your body, including steaming your face, keep reading!
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- "I just spent the day with my grandchildren and was helping my 11-year-old granddaughter with the "odor" of it all. Your article was just the right backup information I needed. A big thank you, it's a great article. Very thorough and factual, 2 thumbs up!" ..." more