Our skin is exposed to a variety of harmful elements when we step outside, such as harsh sunlight, air pollution, dust, smoke, and even changing weather. Although we may protect our skin from the outside world, Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a London-based medical aesthetician, warns that some of the culprits behind your acne flare-ups might actually be lurking inside your home.
Loofahs
Dr Gizem explained: “Since loofahs can exfoliate, many people love using them for that deep-cleaning feeling, but because certain materials are quite rough, they can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation and dryness. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.
Also, it goes without saying that you should never use a loofah on your face — the sponge can be far too abrasive for the thinner and more delicate facial skin.
In addition to their roughness, loofahs also have another problem, and that is that if they are not properly cleaned, they can harbour microorganisms like bacteria and fungi and that can lead to an infection.”
Bar Soap
One more common bathroom staple the expert urges caution against is bar soap, explaining: “Bar soap shouldn’t be used on the body or on the face. It can change the pH of the skin for the worse and can be extremely drying. Using a body wash is a much better alternative because it’s more hydrating for the skin.
But if there is no other option and you have to use soap, then you should apply a good, thick moisturising cream afterwards — perhaps something that contains petroleum jelly or just plain petroleum jelly itself.”
Mobile and Headphones
The mobile phone — practically ubiquitous in the bathroom, bedroom, or any other room in the house — is next on the list.
“We always have our phones in our hands, and they can be very, very dirty with all the build-up of oils, makeup and bacteria. If you hold your phone against your face to take a call or even touch your face with the same hand, you can end up with a breakout. So, make sure that you regularly disinfect it with a wipe.
In a similar vein, your headphones can do the same. We hold them in our hands, put them on our heads, place them in bags and other surfaces, and that can allow bacteria to accumulate,” said Dr Gizem.
Regarding the fear of the blue light of mobile phones damaging the skin, the practitioner notes that no conclusive evidence yet indicates that blue light harms the skin like UV light. The good news is that SPF, which you should already be wearing, can help protect you against the light coming out of your phone.
Pillowcases
Moving onto the bedroom, Dr Gizem highlights the importance of having clean pillowcases: “Even though silk pillowcases are said to cause fewer wrinkles, as long as you have a clean pillowcase, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re sleeping on silk or cotton.
Nevertheless, you should avoid synthetic fabrics such as elastane and nylon, as well as those dyed with artificial colours. These can lead to allergic reactions or cause other skin problems.”
Fabric Softeners and Laundry Detergents
Furthermore, the expert warns that fabric softeners and laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that are not good for the skin.
“Fragrances and dyes in fabric softeners and laundry detergents can also irritate your skin and cause allergies.”
Makeup Brushes
Last but not least, Dr Gizem draws attention to another common household and skincare item: makeup brushes.
“There’s probably nothing that harbours more bacteria than makeup brushes. They need to be washed every week, or at the very least, every other week, to not wreak havoc on your skin. And if you can’t wash the brushes, you should consider buying a few extra ones.”
