A medical aesthetician has warned that common household items could be "secretly sabotaging" people's skin health.
Dr Gizem Seymenoglu from Longevita cautioned that while outdoor elements like pollution and harsh sunlight can harm the skin, some of the worst "culprits" may actually be inside the home.
The expert shared a word of warning to skin care enthusiasts regarding the household items to be wary of.
Loofahs
According to Dr Seymenoglu, loofahs top the list of problematic items.
"Since loofahs can exfoliate, many people love using them for that deep-cleaning feeling, but because certain materials are quite rough, they can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation and dryness," the medical aesthetician explained.
She warned that loofahs can also harbour bacteria and fungi if not properly cleaned, potentially leading to infection.
Bar soap
The skin-savvy medical aesthetician warned that bar soap presents another significant risk to skin health.
"It shouldn't be used on the body or the face," she warned. "It can change the pH of the skin for the worse and can be extremely drying.
To avoid this, Dr Seymenoglu advised opting for body wash instead, hailing it as a "much better alternative" due to its hydrating properties.
'We always have our phones in our hands, and they can be very, very dirty'
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Mobile phones
Your trusty mobile device poses another unexpected threat to skin health, the skin guru warned.
She noted: "We always have our phones in our hands, and they can be very, very dirty with all the buildup of oils, makeup, and bacteria."
To prevent breakouts and other skin concerns, regular disinfection with wipes is essential.
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'There's probably nothing that harbours more bacteria than makeup brushes'
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Pillowcases
In bedrooms, pillows require attention, with Dr Seymenoglu stressing the importance of a clean case.
She said: "Even though silk pillowcases are said to cause fewer wrinkles, as long as you have a clean pillowcase, it doesn't really matter whether you're sleeping on silk or cotton."
But the expert did advise against synthetic fabrics like elastane and nylon, which can trigger allergic reactions.
Headphones
Headphones present similar risks through bacterial accumulation from handling and placement on various surfaces, Dr Seymenoglu warned.
Fabric softeners and laundry detergents
These popular cleaning items contain "harsh" chemicals, fragrances and dyes that can irritate skin and cause allergies.
Makeup brushes
According to the skin guru, makeup brushes represent perhaps the most significant bacterial threat among household items.
"There's probably nothing that harbours more bacteria than makeup brushes," Dr Seymenoglu stated.
She emphasised the critical importance of regular cleaning to maintain skin health.
"They need to be washed every week, or at the very least, every other week, to not wreak havoc on your skin," the medical aesthetician advised.
For those unable to maintain this cleaning schedule, she offered a practical alternative.
The expert told makeup users: "If you can't wash the brushes, you should consider buying a few extra ones."
This approach allows users to rotate between clean brushes while others are being washed, ensuring consistent hygiene standards and preventing the bacterial buildup that can lead to skin problems and breakouts.
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