I use a buff puff brush on my back. I replace it about once a month because I know it collects bacteria. I use my hands and an granular scrub on my face in the shower and just my hands and a mild cleanser before bed. I use my bare hands and soap for the rest of my body but shave daily because I like to feel exfoliated.

But the lack of washcloths is not racial. My mother uses them and I did too before leaving home. Once I got off on my own, I found that my skin looked better when I used a scrub instead of a washcloth to exfoliate.

Anonymous wrote:I'm Caucasian. I sometimes use a washcloth on my face in the evenings, I don't use one in the shower, just use my hands to lather up soap and shampoo both.

I use a washcloth on DD during her baths.

DH does not use a washcloth during his showers, but uses one to fully wash his genital area after bowel movements. He's also Caucasian.

Wow--I've never heard of anyone using a washcloth to wipe down after a poop. I wouldn't want that hanging out in my hamper of getting rinsed in my sink. Maybe he should try baby wipes or a similar product made for grownups.

Black-mostly no but use a salux/wash cloth every blue moon. Dh is white and uses a salux every blue moon.

White. No. Cannot stand them. Used one at a hotel last week and it sucked big time compared to the pouf.

"DH does not use a washcloth during his showers, but uses one to fully wash his genital area after bowel movements. He's also Caucasian."

I understand Muslims do this.

"Microbiologist here again."

Thanks for your input!

Indian- I use the same scrubbie as the pp posted in the pic above. Hands will get you clean if you rub hard enough but they won't exfoliate your skin.

Black- of course! And not a loofah either

Me: white, yes
Spouse: black, no

Anonymous wrote:It's not a race thing.
I'm white. Grew up using wash cloths, then poofy mesh balls.
My husband, also white, always uses a washcloth.

+1

I never do, but did as a kid. Now I use a spongy loofah thing while DH uses at least two washcloths per day - one for his face, one for the shower. Lord we do a lot of laundry.

White - no washcloth
Japanese - no washcloth

Asian. I use an Asian scrubby washcloth:

White. Grew up using washcloths. But use those bath squishy things now. Wash face with hands only.

Anonymous wrote:Black.
Of course! Hands just slide over the body, they don't really scrub away anything.

Microbiologist here again.

That's just ridiculous.

You are not a dirty pan to be scrubbed! I sense remnants of puritanism here and a disgust for one's body.

By sliding your hands with some pressure over your body, you are getting rid of dirt, dead skin cells and opportunistic and potentially disease-causing bacteria that landed on you during the day.
If you scrub too much, you will exfoliate (which can be a GREAT thing as long as you don't overdo it) AND you will also get rid of the protective layer of good bacteria that live on your skin and provide a natural barrier against germs by maintaining the pH of your skin, and other details. That is not necessary, people! And it can and does lead to more sensitive skin, rashes, and dry skin, and subsequently more lotion. It's a vicious cycle. Skincare ads promote this misconception that the skin can't take care of itself because they want to sell their cleansing products and lotions.

The only skincare company that I know of which respects the natural skin cycle is Dr. Hauschka (spelling?). No wonder they're not top sellers, they have less products to sell and do not encourage you to keeping scrubbing and lotioning away.

We really need more science education in schools. Remember, the less product and manipulation, the better your skin can take care of itself.

Black.
Of course! Hands just slide over the body, they don't really scrub away anything.