10 Common Hygiene Mistakes We All Tend To Make

By Editorial Staff in Health and Fitness On 17th December 2017
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#1 Not Showering Right After A Workout

Exercising, be it in the form of cardio or weight training or any form of sport is an excellent way to remain healthy. It promotes your vitality and also releases endorphins. Endorphin is a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and has a number of physiological functions. These hormones help combat stress.

However, there is a catch here. Bathing after gymming is mandatory. Showering right after gymming causes removal of sweat and body odour. Moreover, showering especially with hot water can increase blood circulation, thereby relaxing muscle soreness and also helps in muscle recovery.

#2 Using Cotton Swabs

You, along with lots of other people have been using cotton swabs to clear out your ear wax. But this is actually harmful. The wax present in your ear prevents ear infections and also stops foreign particles like small insects, dust particles from entering inside. Also, using cotton swab can be bad for your ear. It pushes the wax deeper into the air canal and damages the ear drum. If you do have a disproportionate amount of wax in your ear, you should get it removed by a doctor. One method you can try at home is syringing. Put body temperature water in a syringe. Keep your head straight, hold the outside of the ear and gently pull upward. Now inject a small amount of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug. Tilt your head to drain the water. Repeat it till the wax clears out.

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#3 Overusing shampoos

You should shampoo your hair less often as this way fewer oils are produced on your scalp and your hair stays cleaner for longer. You should avoid using shampoo on an everyday basis as it may extract all the natural oil present on the scalp. If you face a problem where your hair tends to get dirty and oily often, you can use a dry shampoo or baby powder to soak up the extra oil.

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#4 Using Antiperspirants

Afraid of embarrassing body odor? Using an antiperspirant daily is as much a form of courtesy to others as it is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Your body absorbs the aluminum from antiperspirants and wreaks havoc to your brain. If you don’t want to go that route though, look for a natural, aluminum-free deodorant made from some form of baking soda. You can also replace your chemical antiperspirant or deodorant with baking soda and water, or lemon juice. Taste the juice to judge the acidity before applying the solution, which may cause burns or redness if it’s too acidic.

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#5 Sleep With The Makeup On!

Women love makeup! But the love must not cross its boundaries as; sleeping with it can do no good to your skin. Makeup is made up of products and chemicals which are not so good for your skin and makes it rough and damaged if carried for a long period. You skin is extremely delicate and requires more pampering. This delicate organ cannot bear more chemicals and unnatural products and thus can develop rashes, infections and such skin issues. Any makeup product like mascara, liners, concealers etc can make your skin and eyes damaged!

#6 Using soap in the shower everyday

Winter is a rough time for anyone with dry skin. It seems like no matter how much lotion you apply, your hands are still going to feel dry and cracked. But rather than applying more lotion, you probably just need to use less soap. If you're battling dry skin during cold, harsh winters, try less frequent use of soap in the shower or bath (except personal areas, as those should be sudsed up daily), Reduce using soap to non-perineal areas to one to two times per week.

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#7 Not Taking Care of Your Toothbrush

When it comes to oral health, how you take care of your toothbrush also matters a lot. Most of us have the habit of rinsing our toothbrush after each use, but after that we put it away in the bathroom cabinet when it is still wet. It’s a common hygiene mistake you may also be making.

#8 Using Antibacterial Soaps

Over the years, some marketing genius has managed to convince Americans that regular soap and water doesn’t really kill germs and that we need antibacterial soaps. This isn’t true. Antibacterial soaps are not only unnecessary, but they are actually causing the world more harm than good. The antibacterial compound put in soaps, triclosan, truly does kill bacteria, but it also kills human cells. Triclosan interrupts our body’s natural production of hormones and has led to the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. Plain old soap and water kill germs, friends; you do not need triclosan to do this. Buy products that do not contain this health-damaging compound.

#9 Trimming your nails wrong

People sometimes use scissors to cut their nails. But remember that your nails are made up of layers. So when you trim them with scissors, the structure of your nails is deformed, layers are broken apart, and they start breaking easily. To prevent nail damage, use nail clippers. These make clean cuts that you can then later shape with a nail file.

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#10 Leaving Your Brushes In Your Makeup Bag

Makeup bags are often coated in left-behind products. Even the cleanest tools and brushes become germ-ridden in an unsanitized makeup bag. If you're bringing your makeup on-the-go, ensure you’re keeping their transportation items sanitized at all times. Picking up on these habits will ensure you avoid as many germs as possible and will keep your body functioning optimally, without risk of infection or breakouts.