Showering is something we all (hopefully) do regularly, but how many of us are actually getting it right? According to one medical professional, many are neglecting important steps.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug's pharmacy superintendent, identified several areas that people routinely forget to clean properly, warning that this can lead to bacterial growth, unpleasant smells, and various infections.
"It's easy to assume that a quick shower or face wash is enough to maintain good hygiene standards," she stated.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
"However, there are several areas that require more attention, and a little extra care can go a long way in preventing common health issues such as bad breath, skin irritations or fungal infections."
Overlooked zones include the nape of the neck and hairline, ears, belly button, under the nails, and tongue.
Nape of the neck and hairline
The nape of the neck and hairline require daily attention during showers, as these zones accumulate sweat, oil, and product deposits that can "clog up pores and lead to breakouts", Niamh warned.
The pharmacist told skin care enthusiasts: "It's best to pay attention to this area every time you shower, ensuring you rinse thoroughly and occasionally exfoliate to prevent buildup."
When it comes to showering, 'a little extra care can go a long way'
| GETTY IMAGESEars
Wireless headphones present a major hygiene challenge, collecting bacteria and contributing to earwax accumulation.
For thorough cleaning, "gently use a cotton bud to remove wax from the earbud mesh," the pharmacist advised.
But the expert provided a word of warning regarding inner-ear cleaning. Urging Britons to avoid using cotton buds to clear earwax – as this can "push wax deeper" – she recommended Superdrug's Ear Wax Removal Service.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The nape of the neck accumulates sweat, oil, and product deposits
|GETTY IMAGES
Belly button
Whether your belly button is an innie or an outie, "the navel is a hidden pocket that can trap sweat, dead skin, lint, and bacteria", Niamh warned.
To effectively clean the area, use a cotton bud dipped in warm water or a mild cleanser once or twice a week.
The pharmacist stressed that this should be done "gently". "Avoid scrubbing harshly, as the skin is sensitive," she advised.
Under the nails
The pharmacist warned that despite regular handwashing, the space beneath the fingernails frequently accumulates debris, food particles, and bacteria.
"You should clean under your nails whenever you wash your hands, especially after cooking, gardening, or using public transport. A nail brush can gently lift debris and help keep your hands truly clean," she advised.
Tongue
While brushing teeth is a daily habit, the tongue is often neglected.
But it's important to note that the tongue harbours a "large amount of bacteria that can lead to bad breath and even affect taste".
Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing the area once a day – ideally in the morning –will "significantly improve" oral hygiene and reduce odour-causing buildup, Niamh concluded.