
Washcloth, Loofah, Or Hands – What’s The Best Way To Wash Your Body?

Over the last couple of years, social media and the internet has uncovered the various ways people decide to wash their bodies (some surprising, I must admit, and some not.) There have been numerous debates on whether we should use washcloths, suds up our legs, or even shower on a daily basis. Side note: Did you know that bathing with hot water can be detrimental? (I mean, is it really a shower if the water isn’t scorching? Just me? K.)
Additionally, with hygiene routine videos (think sparkly body washes and exfoliators galore) dominating the YouTube and TikTok airwaves, finding the best way to wash your body seems to be all the rage right now. And while most of us have been bathing ourselves since we can remember, there’s nothing wrong with updating your GRWM (get ready with me) routine.
In the name of #selfcare, medical and cosmetic dermatologist, DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, has provided tips and pertinent info that will help combat bacteria, battle B.O. and give our skin a healthy glow. Can I get an amen?
Between washcloths, loofahs, or using your hands, what’s the best way to wash your body?
“I usually recommend a soft cloth or washcloth for showers, especially those areas that harbor, a lot of bacteria, which include the armpits, groin area, and feet,” Dr. Davis explains to xoNecole. “Washcloths can always be laundered and reused versus loofahs that tend to retain a lot of bacteria and are not washable or able to be used after so many uses in the shower. Washcloths should be dry before each use. Reusing a damp washcloth is a no-no because it may accumulate bacteria which can be transferred to your body the next time you use it.”
How often should people shower? Is it bad to shower every day?
“I usually recommend that people take showers at least once daily,” says Dr. Davis. “While some dermatologists may recommend that you can shower less frequently, even three times per week, I will say that I do not recommend that you shower multiple times throughout the day because that can be extremely drying for the skin. It’s also important to remember that showers should be less than 10 minutes and with lukewarm water because extremely hot water can also dry out the skin.”
Is it important to use a separate washcloth for your face?
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“I think this is definitely a personal preference. What I explain to patients is that it is okay to use a washcloth for their body however, I always recommend that whenever washing your face [to] use your hands,” says Dr. Davis.
What should we look for in a good body cleanser?
“There are so many great cleansers on the market,” notes Dr. Davis. "It may come down to if there is a specific concern that the patient has, which can help determine what may be the best cleanser for their body. For example, if someone has oily or acne-prone skin, they might want to look at a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate the pores and treat blackheads. However, if a patient has sensitive or dry skin, they may want to look for a cleanser with ceramides and/or colloidal oatmeal.”
In terms of skincare, could you talk about the importance of moisturizing and how often we should moisturize?
“Moisturizing your skin is just as important as washing it on a daily basis,” elaborates Dr. Davis. “Moisturizers should be applied within the first two to three minutes after showering to not only moisturize the skin but also create a barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss and keep the skin hydrated and plump in appearance. It is wise to moisturize twice daily, especially if you have dry skin and/or during the winter season.”
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Featured image by LumiNola/ Getty Images
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In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
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“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
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For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole