Why I Am No Longer Using Washcloths & Loofahs To Shower
There has always been something about washcloths and loofahs that has kicked my undiagnosed germaphobia into overdrive. It never mattered what family member’s household that I bathed in, the one thing that stayed the same was washcloths and loofahs scattered throughout the bathroom. Some were stiff as cardboard, and others that, according to the smell, probably should have been thrown into the washer at least a few weeks ago.
Out of fear of someone’s germs getting into my washcloth, I always made sure mine was unique in pattern so no one would ever have to mistake theirs for mine. I even made it a habit to put mine in a more secluded part of the bathroom and change it out frequently. None of these things, unfortunately, ever worked in my favor before I lived on my own. I transitioned from washcloths to loofahs as a teen, but still I was very suspicious of not only who could have mistaken (or purposely) used my washing device, but also what could be living in it.
Everyday after high school, I would run home to watch The Tyra Banks Show. I couldn't wait to see everyday what the next debate or interesting interview would be about. I will never forget on an episode titled “We're Putting Race In Your Face” featuring a multicultural panel answering the race related questions, there was a video question asking why do black people more often use washcloths in comparison to their white counterparts. The panelists responses to that question may have changed my views of using washcloths, something that the women of my family strongly forced on me.
Question: "When I’m in the shower, I have to use a washcloth. It gets in all of the nooks and crannies…but my white friends don't use them. What’s up with that?”
Response:“I don't want to have all the nook and cranny juice hanging around in our shower all day long… I think It comes down to germs… (Bar) soap doesn't get dirty.”
The panelist clearly couldn't speak for anyone but herself, but she really did get me to thinking. While, I’m not for wiping down my body with the same bar of soap as someone else, I can definitely see why one would opt of using washcloths. Dermatologists also have similar views when it comes to using washing devices such as washcloths, loofahs and sponges. According to a Huffington Postarticle about mistakes people make when showering, using these devices are a major no-no. “Puffs and loofahs do grow bacteria and mold and should be thrown out after four weeks,” Debra Jaliman, M.D. told Huffington Post. Cotton washcloths are the better option considering that people are more likely to replace them on a regular basis, but most people don't change them out as frequently as they should.
When it comes to washing with sponges, loofahs and washcloths, there’s more than growing bacteria in these devices and spreading the bacteria over your body to worry about. A bacteria infested washing device can lead to a skin condition called pseudomonas folliculitis, a community-acquired skin infection cause by the colonization of bacteria in hair follicles. While the disease is not super serious and will go away on its own, it is super uncomfortable and may cause irritation in the skin and lots of itching.
After so many years of using washcloths and loofahs I haven’t totally abandoned them, but it is not unusual for me to choose to wash without one on any given day. If you still aren’t convinced that washing without the use of a washcloth, loofah or anything else of that nature, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Change out your loofah or sponge every 3-4 weeks to avoid spreading bacteria; they also can be cleaned once a week by soaking them in diluted bleach for 5 minutes. Mesh loofahs are more resistant to bacteria and can be held on to for up to 8 weeks.
- Don't use the same washcloth on your body that you do on your face. This may spread bacteria from your “nooks and crannies” to you face and cause many unwanted breakouts.
- Don't share washcloths with other people no matter how close you are to them. I don't think we have to describe in detail the dangers associated with this.
- While some dermatologists argue that washcloths become so heavily soiled in just one use that it should be washed immediately, generally you are safe if change them out every 3-4 days or so. Having the same damp washcloth for days at a time is surely an invitation for bacteria and mold.
Most people won't jump at the thought of washing with their bare hands, but let's make sure that when we're washing, we're actually getting clean and not putting more dirt and bacteria on our bodies.
What are your thoughts on the hands vs. washing device scenario? We’d love to hear your opinions about it.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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