Secret shower mistakes: You’ve been ignoring these body parts all this time!

The daily shower is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene.

But just splashing water on your body and applying soap isn’t enough to keep you squeaky clean — it’s crucial to focus on some specific areas that are commonly neglected during our routine wash.

In this article, we’ll explore five frequently forgotten body parts and will provide helpful tips on cleaning them. Please note: throughout the text, “you” refers to the general reader.

Scalp Care is a Must-do!

Although shampooing is a regular practice for many people, sometimes it can lead to cleaning around the scalp without actually addressing its needs.

A healthy scalp contributes significantly to hair health and avoiding issues like dandruff. To ensure proper care, try implementing these steps in your next shower:

1. Gently massage your scalp – instead of rubbing shampoo only onto your hair strands, apply the shampoo directly onto the scalp and use your fingertips to massage it gently in circular motions. This helps deep-cleanse your scalp and remove product build-up or dead skin cells.
2. Use a shampoo brush – using a soft-bristle shampoo brush can also help when massaging your scalp. It not only cleanses efficiently but also stimulates blood flow and encourages healthy hair growth.
3. Rinse thoroughly – don’t forget to carefully wash off all the shampoo from your scalp. Residues can clog pores and attract dirt, leading to scalp irritation and other issues.

Don’t Neglect the Back

One challenging area of the body to clean is the back since it’s difficult to reach and often requires additional effort.

But ignoring it can lead to a number of skin issues like acne, dryness, or itching. Here’s how to properly clean your back:

1. Use a long-handled brush – having a shower brush with an extended handle is essential for reaching all areas of your back. Gently scrub in circular motions while paying attention to potential problem zones.
2. Apply soap/body wash – rub some soap or body wash onto the brush and work up a good lather. Lathering helps remove dirt and dead skin cells effectively.
3. Rinse well – make sure to thoroughly rinse your back, as leftover products might cause skin problems. If needed, ask someone to help you ensure that everything is rinsed off.

Say No to Back Acne

If you experience back acne, consider using a medicated body wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and monitor its results over time. These ingredients help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Remember to never use facial acne medications on your body—skin on your face is more delicate than that on your back.

Keep Your Fingernails Neat and Clean

The space under your fingernails easily collects dirt, grime, and bacteria throughout the day, making it vital to clean this area properly during showers.

Regularly failing to clean beneath your nails can lead to infections or fungal growth. Follow these steps to keep your nails neat and tidy:

1. Trim regularly – short nails are easier to keep clean. Using nail clippers or scissors, trim your nails straight across before rounding the tips slightly in a gentle curve.
2. Soften cuticles – make sure to soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes at the beginning of your shower. This will soften your cuticles and enable easier cleaning.
3. Scrub under nails – utilize an old toothbrush, nail brush, or orange stick to carefully scrub beneath and around the nails. Don’t forget to clean the tips as well.

Clean Behind Ears: Hygiene Matters Everywhere

The area behind the ears often gets ignored during the typical washing routine when it should be treated like any other part of the body.

Sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells can accumulate there, creating unpleasant odors and potential skin issues.

Here’s how to keep the ear area fresh and hygienic:

1. Don’t overclean inner ears – while ear hygiene is vital, do not try to use cotton buds to remove earwax from inside your ear canal. This could harm your ear drum or push wax further inside. Remember that self-cleaning is a natural ear function!
2. Focus on external areas – wipe around the outer area of your ears using soap and a washcloth. Then, gently clean behind them to remove accumulating grime. Make sure not to use too much force.
3. Dry thoroughly – after your shower, dry the area behind your ears with a towel. Any leftover moisture could create an environment where bacteria thrive.

Belly Button Cleaning: Unseen but Not Forgotten

The navel is yet another body part that frequently goes unattended during showers. However, the navel’s structure is like a small pocket collecting sweat, dirt, and bacteria.

To maintain proper hygiene, attend to your belly button in the following ways:

1. Dip a cotton swab in soapy water – first, wet a cotton swab with water and mild soap. This can be used for both “innie” and “outie” types of navels.
2. Gently clean the navel – use the cotton swab to reach into all the folds, curves, and corners of your navel gently. Take care not to irritate the area or dig too deep.
3. Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly – pour warm water over your navel to remove any soap residue before drying it carefully with a clean towel. Make sure to completely dry the area since moisture could promote odors and bacterial growth.

Maintaining good personal hygiene greatly contributes to your overall well-being.

By being mindful and attentive during your shower routine, you can ensure that all areas of your body receive the appropriate level of cleansing, helping you feel refreshed and revitalized every day.