Everyone has bad habits, but many people don’t realize they have lousy shower habits. There are many reasons to stop doing these things. Some are obvious, but a few will surprise you!

Use a metal shower head, not plastic. Plastic shower heads build up bacteria more easily and have more germs than metal ones.

Rubbing Yourself Dry With Towels

Almost everyone does this. While using a towel to rub and scrub themselves dry is normal, it is bad for your skin. It can irritate and dry your skin. Patting yourself dry with a towel is kind to your skin and hair.

Taking Long Showers

Most people shower for too long. Long, hot showers damage their skin, which has special cells called keratinocytes that produce oil. Long showers can irritate and dry out their skin.

Do you use body wash on your face? Some people do it because the face is part of the body, but body wash is not for that. It is too harsh for the skin on your face.

If you use body wash on your face, use moisturizer too.

Keep razors in the shower, but remember, blades are made of metal! Moisture makes them rust, so you must replace them more often. Wet environments are also suitable for bacteria, including on your damp razor.

Avoid cold showers. They are good for you! A cold shower makes you 30% less likely to get sick.

Don’t exfoliate too much. Many people think they need to exfoliate their skin harshly to fight acne. But science says that exfoliating too much can have the opposite effect. Exfoliating too often can strip your face of natural oils.

Doctors recommend exfoliating once or twice a week. However, if your face is red, irritated, or peeling, you may be exfoliating too much!

Avoid scorching hot showers.

Are warm showers bad? Hot water can be bad for your skin, even if you tolerate it. Hot showers strip natural oils from your skin.

Wash washcloths often.

Washcloths are in every bathroom, but many people need to wash them.

But they get dirty and damp, and bacteria could be a problem. Wash washcloths in the washing machine and dryer after every few uses, and wash your towels, too.