It’s been powerful helping people feel better these last five years. It really started over three decades ago as a licensed cosmetologist – helping people with looking and having their best skin while owning my salon/spa. This last year I have been partnering with people one-on-one to help them investigate alternative options for their best life – reviewing their meal plans, skin care and learning about choices that impact their wellness. In this article, let’s look at how we go about keeping things clean – especially our skin and things that we use each day.
First, let’s look at how frequently you are washing your skin with a soap or cleanser. People are power washing their skin – not just their hands! This can strip away your natural layer of protection. Lots of research today identifying not only the natural oils our skin needs but also the microorganisms that are part of our skin’s first layer of defense. Our skin is not only our largest organ but it also is host to a community of cooperative microbes that protect us called our skin microbiome.
Try washing your skin and bathing only when the skin needs it. Many just need a refreshing rinse in the morning – I keep a mist bottle with filtered water and a fresh washcloth for my face. Consider the soapy wash or shower after a workout, a sweaty day and before bed to remove cosmetics and the daily grime. Plus limit the use of antibacterial soaps – most of us only need an antibacterial soap for hand cleansing after working with raw meats or if exposed to someone sick. One container in the kitchen is usually all you need – maybe a second for the bathroom when a flu bug is making the rounds of your home.
Second, when we do cleanse, use a washcloth to help the dead skin cells shed off the skin. This is called exfoliation which helps the skin stay healthy and it is anti-aging. I want to emphasize is it is very important to use a fresh , clean wash cloth each day. Have at least seven washcloths – that way you will always have a freshly laundered one to use each day. If you want a bit more exfoliation try some of the plastic loopy puffs or exfoliating gloves. But again – you need a fresh one for each day – launder them after use. I have a spot in my laundry room to hang my used washcloths and puffs to dry until they are washed.
Third recommendation is to not immediately towel dry when you exit the shower. Best if you can apply your lotion or body cream over your damp skin. Helps keep your skin hydrated longer – brush your teeth and dry your hair while allowing the rest of you to air dry. If you have problem skin issues, I would love an opportunity to discuss some simple steps to encourage natural skin healing after bathing.
Fourth just follows having a clean wash cloth each day – use your own personal bath towel, nail clippers and razor. If you share these items, your family may share more than love. Something like pink eye will quickly spread with common towel use. Ever have a difficult time eradicating simple athlete’s foot. Bet you were cleaning the tub between uses, keeping shoes on till in tub, no barefoot running around the house….when simply st getting each person their own $2 nail clipper probably is the start to getting that under control.
If there are a number of people using the same bathroom, everyone having their own color towel helps. If people are doing a good job of using their own bath towel, then usually you can keep that towel for a few days since you are supposed to be clean when you use it…and letting it dry completely after each use.
Fifth, use laundry products that you know are not only safe for the environment, but are safe for you! Laundry soaps that rinse completely out of your clothing, towels and bedding so you don’t have any allergens, toxins, or irritants next to your skin. Our family knows the difference everytime we stay at a hotel. When traveling, I have to bring my own pillowcase and wear jammies or my skin and hair suffers. I am a very sensitive person but absorbing toxic laundry products next to your skin all night when you are sleeping is bad for everyone.
And when I was younger, I lived most of my life feeling just okay because that was as good as it got. Now I know the difference. Now I live with my healthiest skin and best wellness plan every day. If you would like to learn more about how to create a plan for your best life, I would love an opportunity to strategize with you. Plus, we can discuss how I can help you stay accountable to that plan!
I am only a phone call or text away. (847) 502-8394. Or pop me an email at elizabeth@elizabethanthonygronert.com
Be well!