Your guide to the best shower ever

What you need to know to have better, healthier, more hygienic showers.

IN a nutshell Hello, and happy Monday! Today, we're exploring different shower habits and their effects on well-being. First, are loofahs clean or a health risk? Other topics (written with the help of newsletter intern Caroline Parrish) include: • What temperature should your shower water be? • A trending shower water filter and premium plush bath towels • Bar soap hygiene facts • How often you should exfoliate for healthier skin Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota July 10, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing Loofah lovers, beware! They're not as clean as you think … The journey from source to shower. The traditional version is made from a plant called the luffa gourd. These dried gourds are soaked, peeled, dried and then shaped to form the sensory-pleasing bath product we all know and love for its gentle skin exfoliation, circulation stimulation, and body cleansing potential. Potential risks. While these popular cleaning accessories aren't exactly dangerous, there are health hazards to consider. For starters, loofahs can build up dead skin cells over time and become a magnet for mold and bacteria like E. coli, especially if they're not cleaned or stored properly. Coarse loofahs may also damage skin over time or feel too abrasive for people with sensitive skin. Can't lose the loofah? Me neither, don't worry. That's where our handy dandy maintenance tips come in. Among other best practices, you'll want to: Avoid using it after shaving or around your genitals. Wring it out after use, then store in a cool, dry place. Give your loofah a weekly clean. (Refer to this guide for tips!) Replace every 3-4 weeks or once you notice mold or funky smells. Other options. If you're thinking of changing it up, but don't want to ditch the sensory experience, there are plenty of alternatives. Consider switching to a more hygienic option that meets your needs, like a silicone back scrubber or an antibacterial body mitt exfoliator. Whatever you choose to use, we wish you happy and healthy scrubbing!

great finds Editor faves with health perks       The Jolie Filtered Showerhead Trending on social media and tested by yours truly, I can verify that Jolie's hard water filter shower head installs easily and helps de-frizz my hair without sacrificing water pressure. SHOP NOW     Cozy Earth Premium Plush Bath Towels After using cheap towels forever, drying off with these luxurious, super soft towels by Cozy Earth have totally upgraded my post-shower game. (They're pricey but come with a 10-year warranty!) SHOP NOW   Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Monday Kick Start Cold vs. hot showers: Which one is better for your health? The case for cold showers. Research suggests that cold showers can help relieve muscle soreness, calm itchy skin, and wake you up in the morning. Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer adds that cold water tightens and constricts blood flow, which can give your skin a healthier glow, too. However, cold showers are not recommended if you're already cold or feeling sick because they can reduce your body temperature and be hard on your immune system. Hot shower health. Hot showers may help reduce blemishes, soothe muscles, and clear up congestion. But according to New York board certified dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan, the main issue with hot water is that it causes dry skin and itchiness. She also notes it can increase general body inflammation and make some skin conditions flare. For people who refuse to turn down the heat, Strachan suggests using a moisturizing cleanser (not soap!) and applying moisturizer right after the shower. Which wins? It's hard to say since each temp offers unique health pros and cons. The best middle ground could be to try a lukewarm shower or rotate between cold and hot water in each shower to reap their benefits. To learn more about shower temperatures and decide for yourself, read our full article. Tell us: What temperature shower water do you prefer? Do you notice a difference in your health when you use hot or cold water? Email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!)

Health Hype Is it really unhygienic to use bar soap? (Find the answer at the end of this email)

health stories you need What we're reading next ✨ Your complete guide to skin exfoliation. Learn the benefits of exfoliation, how to do it, the ideal frequency for your unique skin type, and which products to use for glowing skin. 💩 15 healthy foods that help you poop. Promote healthy, regular bowel movements by eating fiber-rich foods like the legumes, veggies, and grains on this list. 🧑‍🦰 10 greasy hair hacks. Greasy hair is common and nothing to be ashamed about. If you're bothered by it, try these strategies for degreasing and preventing it from coming back. ☕ Is your morning coffee really giving you energy? Or could it be a placebo effect? Discover what researchers found when studying the neurological effects of caffeine consumption.

Health Hype Answer Is it really unhygienic to use bar soap? Depends! I know what you're thinking: "Soap is self-cleaning! It's totally hygienic." Well, that's not entirely true. How you use, wash, and store your bar soap can affect just how clean it really is. Generally speaking, bar soap is hygienic and can be a great skin-friendly option, especially if you make it yourself, with healthy ingredients. However, bar soap can become unhygienic, say, when you share it with others or leave it uncovered in a pool of post-use sludge. (Yuck.) Just try to stay mindful of how you use and maintain it so it stays as clean and bug-free as possible. Learn more about the differences between bar soap, body wash, and shower gel.

Thanks for reading, and happy self-cleaning! Ginger will be back in your inbox on Wednesday with more health stories you need. Take care.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by scalding hot showers. (Sorry, skin!)   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001