Myth: Being Too Clean is Okay
False! Did you know that having overly ambitious cleaning habits can actually be worse for your body? Sure, it’s great to keep yourself squeaky clean, but if you’re one of those people that needs a good scrub down at least twice a day, consider this:
If you woke up to find that your face had broken out, you’d probably like nothing better than to scrub your face raw and wash those irritating blemishes away. Unfortunately, those who believe that washing your face can rid you of acne have been falling for the myth. Scrubbing too often can leave your face craving the oils that occur naturally on the skin. Your face will then begin produce oil even faster to compensate, which will only aggravate the breakout on your face.
Additionally, some women experience problems with dry, scaly skin because of excessive washing, especially when using a facial scrub or soap that is used to treat acne. This is because many of these products have ingredients such as salicylic acid, which are meant to relieve your face of the moisture that can cause breakouts. Your skin can become red, flaky, and raw after too many uses in a row. The same goes for the skin all over your body. If you try too desperately to slough off dry skin, you’ll only end up with more of it.
Now let’s talk about hair. If you’re an active person, you’re probably inclined to shower every day. It’s not bad for the health of your skin or hair to have a daily cleaning regiment, but it certainly isn’t necessary to shower every single day. That’s right; I’m here to bust the myth that it’s unsanitary to wait more than 24 hours before bathing. In fact, shampooing too much can do the same for your hair as it does for your skin; the oils that your scalp produces naturally help keep your hair healthy and strong! You don’t want to rid yourself of them too often.
If you can’t live without a daily shower, just remember to scrub lightly, and know that you don’t always have to shampoo. Tip: Flat iron your hair to lock in shine after you blow dry, then use a shower cap the next time you shower. Your hair will remain manageable and happy!