Here are five things an esthetician would immediately throw out of your bathroom. Brace, the first thing might shock you…
Loofahs
Loofahs can be scratchy and irritating on the skin. While some are very smooth and wonderful for exfoliating and improving circulation, some loofahs are jagged and cause little abrasions to the skin.
Secondly, loofahs are difficult to sterilize. Many derms caution against loofahs and dry brushing because there’s a risk of infection. But, if you do use one, use it from head to toe. Then, clean the loofah the best that you can in preparation for its next use. That way, if there’s bacteria or a fungus on your feet, it won't spread to the rest of your body or face.
Speaking of bacterial growth, loofahs are left in moist environments i.e. the bathroom. Keeping a loofah in the bathroom allows moisture to be retained, and this creates an environment where mold and bacteria can breed. Loofahs can cause fungal infections like pityrosporum folliculitis, something people call “fungal acne.” So, loofahs should be kept outside the shower in a ventilated area where it can fully dry.
Dermarollers
Cassandra can remember seeing Kourtney Kardashian online using a dermaroller. She remembers Kourtney running it under tap water to “clean” the tool and drying it on a towel. After picking up fibers from the needle, she then proceeded to roll it onto her face.
People often use dermarollers like this, and on top of that, they’ll keep them in a moist environment. But, even apart from sanitation reasons, they're terrible for the skin barrier.
On the other hand, microneedling is fantastic, and Cassandra has gotten it done herself in professional settings. Microneedling is very different from dermarollers because microneedling devices make a stamping motion. They go in and out of the skin, leaving a more precise wound. They quickly puncture and trigger the skin to rebuild itself. However, dermarollers just scrape across the skin. Dermaroller needles roll across the skin at an angle, and they potentially create micro-wounds that won't heal properly.
Microneedling is much more effective. When done by an esthetician or a dermatologist, microneedling can even be paired with lasers and radiofrequency. While there are safe ways to microneedle at home, you probably shouldn't try it unless you’re certified.
Pawpaw Creams
Although they’re widespread in Australia, many estheticians and derms dislike Pawpaw Creams because of how fragranced they are. Fragrance can cause allergies and irritation, especially if they’re strong, citrusy, or perfumey.
Allergies are when the body releases chemicals like histamine in excess. This response happens when the body thinks there is a foreign invader. Although allergies are often false alarms, your skincare shouldn’t trigger this response. Allergies can redness, hives, itchiness, and skin barrier damage.
Neosporin
This one was shocking to Cassandra. She grew up with a mom who worked in the medical field, and Neosporin was like a “fix-all.” However, Neosporin is not great for wounds. It slows down wound healing, and it can cause bacterial resistance. In turn, Neosporin can actually make wound healing more difficult.
Dermatologists advise against Neosporin and suggest other antibacterial cleansers. Even washing a wound with soap and water, putting on Vaseline, and covering everything with a wound dressing would be better for healing wounds.
Harsh scrubs
Harsh scrubs like walnut and apricot products can overstrip the skin barrier because they’re rough and jagged. Some people are tempted to over-exfoliate in the name of cleanliness, but abrasion isn’t required to reveal a new layer of skin.
Likewise, you definitely shouldn’t be using them on acne. It’s ultimately better to use a gentle scrub. However, if you enjoy this texture, simply use them on the feet or elbows. And remember, you should always wear a sunscreen after exfoliating.
Coverphoto cred: Getty Images / Tinatin1