There is something luxurious about putting on a face mask, or relaxing in the bath after a long day, but unfortunately many of the beauty habits that have the biggest impact of hygiene aren't quite as 'sexy'.
It is these 'unsexy' tips that make the biggest difference to our personal hygiene and self-care. Reddit users have been rushing to share their top tips after u/caffeinated_hardback asked the online beauty community to share the "unsexy hygiene tips that make you sexier."
With a number of tips posted within the thread, Newsweek took five to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, New York City, who shared her opinion on some of the most-upvoted tips under the post.
1. u/@NotMarciaBrady: Getting a cream with glycolic acid for my feet. Holy cow, they've never looked this good! I used to slather Vaseline and file at least weekly and that worked for the day, but this cream works for days and my feet are so smooth and don't have dead skin on them.
This tip is one Kopelman wished more knew about, as she said: "Using a cream with glycolic acid for your feet is an excellent tip for achieving smoother, softer skin. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover.
"This is much more effective than traditional methods, like filing or using Vaseline, which provide only temporary results. By incorporating glycolic acid into your foot-care routine, you're enabling deeper exfoliation, which can keep your feet smooth and free of dead skin for longer periods," Kopelman added.
2. u/@_Dumbledork_: This might be obvious for other people, but I just found out that you should wash your teeth before washing your face, not after. I can't believe a decades worth of pimples on my chin could've been avoided if I just knew this sooner.
The same goes for washing your hair, better do it before washing your face, but that was already my routine although it wasn't any conscious decision.
Kopelman called this tip simple, but highly effective. She said: "The rationale is that toothpaste residue can drip onto your skin and clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts, especially around the chin area. By brushing your teeth first, you ensure that any splashes or residue are washed away when you cleanse your face, reducing the risk of pimples.
"Similarly, washing your hair before your face follows the same principle; shampoo and conditioner can leave a residue that may cause skin issues if not rinsed off properly. Adopting this sequence in your routine can help maintain clearer skin," Kopelman added.
3. u/@samalaur: A summer one for you: Wiping my butt and all areas in the bikini area with a salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid. Keeps the area smelling clean and prevents ingrown hairs if you wax or shave in that area. Don't buy the expensive exfoliants at the wax place, just buy a decent percentage acid at your local drugstore or Amazon.
This tip has arrived just in time for the summer months. Kopelman said: "Wiping the bikini area with salicylic acid or glycolic acid is a great tip for maintaining hygiene and preventing ingrown hairs.
"Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear, while glycolic acid, an AHA, assists in removing dead skin cells. These acids can help prevent ingrown hairs, which are common in areas subjected to waxing or shaving. Using these products can also keep the area smelling fresh," Kopelman added.
It is important not to rush straight in with harsh ingredients on this sensitive area. Kopelman said that "it's important to choose products with suitable concentrations to avoid irritation, and always do a patch test first to ensure your skin tolerates these acids well."
4. u/@gbtn: I change my pillowcase every day and have a rotation of 8+ silk pillowcases (1 for every day of the week plus 1 for wash day in different colors for easier tracking). My face and hair stay cleaner for longer than ever before!
It seems obvious that resting your face on a dirty pillow case can lead to acne and other flareups, but a surprising amount of people didn't know of the impact this has on your skin.
Kopelman said: "Changing your pillowcase daily, especially to a silk one, is a fantastic hygiene tip that can significantly improve both skin and hair health. Silk pillowcases are gentler on the skin and hair, reducing friction that can cause irritation and breakage.
"Frequent changing prevents the buildup of oils, sweat, and bacteria that can contribute to acne and other skin issues. Maintaining a rotation of pillowcases ensures that you always have a clean one ready, making this a practical and beneficial routine for anyone looking to enhance their beauty regimen," Kopelman added.
5. u/@luv_marachk: Instead of using a towel to dry the face after washing, I use soft tissues (and sometimes cotton pads) to prevent transferring bacteria onto the face because towels get so dirty, and you don't even realize it sometimes. This has prevented a lot of break outs for me.
Another tip that most won't have given a second thought to; using a dirty or used towel to dry your face can instantly undo all the good work of your skin-care products.
Kopelman said: "Using soft tissues or cotton pads to dry your face instead of a towel is an excellent practice to prevent breakouts. Towels can harbor bacteria and other contaminants, even if they look clean.
"By using disposable tissues, you reduce the risk of transferring these impurities onto your freshly cleansed skin," Kopelman added. "This small change can lead to noticeable improvements in skin clarity and texture. It's a particularly useful tip for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it minimizes the risk of irritation and infection."
About the writer
Lollie is Newsweek's Beauty and Self Care Reporter based in London, U.K. In her role, she covers a range of ... Read more
