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CALMIER TIPS: PROPER HYGIENE

Updated: Mar 30




SCIENTIFIC FACTS:

 

The human skin microbiome is highly diverse:

Bacteria: ~1,000 species (e.g., Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium)

Fungi: ~100 species (mainly Malassezia species)

Viruses: Many types, but difficult to count (includes HPV, polyomaviruses)

Mites: At least 2 known species (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis).

 

  1. Total Skin Microbiota:

Each square centimetre of human skin contains between one million and one billion bacteria, depending on the area. The entire body can host up to a hundred trillion microorganisms.

 

  1. Facts About Showering:

Showering removes most surface microbes but doesn’t sterilise the skin.

Before a shower, the entire body hosts trillions of microorganisms.

Immediately after a shower, this number can be reduced by 50–90%.

Within 1–2 hours after a shower, bacteria begin to regrow, repopulating the skin.

Within 24 hours after a shower, the microbiota is mostly restored to pre-shower levels.

 

The current consensus among dermatologists is that the skin microbiota plays a critical role in inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. Strong evidence shows that an imbalance in the skin microbiome (dysbiosis) contributes to inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation.


PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

 

Proper hygiene promotes symbiosis (balance in the skin microbiome) leads to healthy and beautiful skin. It is recommended that we should:

 

  1. Wash hair daily with shampoo and conditioner

The scalp is rich in sebaceous (oil) glands, providing an ideal habitat for microorganisms that thrive on sebum. This makes it one of the most microbiologically active areas of the skin. Considering the scalp has microorganisms in the order of tens of billions (ten times more than the face); it is illogical to wash the face daily but every few days for hair.

The common belief that washing hair daily is harmful and causes hair loss is scientifically unfounded (see Calmier Tips: Thinning Hair and Irritated-Scalp Care Made Simple for more)

 

  1. Wash the body (i.e., take a shower) daily

Avoid the use of sponges, loofahs, brushes, or even washcloths to scrub or exfoliate the skin, as this can do more harm than good. These tools can compromise the skin barrier due to physical trauma and introduce germs to the skin, they also provide an environment for microorganisms to colonise.

The proper way to wash the skin is to use a soap-free, gentle cleansing agent such as Calmier Cleansing Milk. Lather the cleanser over the skin with your hands, then rinse it off thoroughly with water.



Avoid the use of sponges, loofahs, brushes or even washcloths to scrub or exfoliate the skin
Avoid the use of sponges, loofahs, brushes or even washcloths to scrub or exfoliate the skin

  1. Use a fresh, clean towel daily to dry the skin

Wet towels harbor germs.

It is best to use towels (face, hand, bath, etc.) only once then machine-wash it before reuse.

An alternative is using a warm air jet to dry the skin, which is a modern and hygienic approach.

 

  1. Use a hair dryer

Wet hair and wet skin create an ideal environment for germs to grow.

Air-drying hair can take hours, which may promote microorganism overgrowth.

Blow-drying hair after drying with a towel helps reduce microbial regrowth.

 

  1. Avoid using oils on hair or skin

Avoid the use of petroleum jelly, wax, and other oils on the hair or skin. While these products may create an instant improvement in appearance, the effect is only temporary. Oils on the hair or skin can act as a breeding ground for microorganisms, leading to dermatitis, dandruff, and hair loss

 

  1. Change clothes daily

Change everything from underwear to home clothing or work uniforms daily.

Avoid wearing shoes without socks or socks without shoes.

Footwear should be as clean as underwear.

 

  1. Change bed sheets and pillowcases more often

Changing bed sheets and pillowcases more than weekly is recommended. Sleeping in dirty bed linens is the same as wearing dirty clothes.

    

  1. Machine-wash and dry clothes instead of hand-washing.

Washing machines provide a more thorough cleaning than hand-washing.

Dryers are more hygienic than line-drying, as warm and moist clothes can promote germ growth.

 

Disclaimer:

This content is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Calmier products are designed to support the appearance and comfort of healthy-looking skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease



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