6 Body Parts You May Be Cleaning All Wrong — and Don’t Even Realize It

You might be surprised to learn that billions of microbes live on our skin — and many of them are actually beneficial. Because of this, some body parts don’t need soap at all, while others require daily, thorough cleaning. To help you give each area the care it needs, we’ve gathered some useful tips on how to care for your body properly. Don’t miss the bonus at the end if you’re looking for ways to prevent body acne.

The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

1. Eyes

Washing your eyes with soap is not a good idea because it can be damaging to the cornea and sclera of the eyes. But that’s why the eyes have lacrimal glands (the glands that produce tears) which are responsible for cleansing and protecting them from debris and other irritants.

A safe way to clean the eyelids and eyelashes is by using unscented baby shampoo. Mix about half a teaspoon of shampoo in a cup of warm water and dip a soft washcloth in the mixture. Gently rub your eyelids (back and forth) with the washcloth and rinse them with water afterward.

2. Groin

According to a dermatologist, the groin should be washed thoroughly every day. This part of your body has folds and creases that can harbor harmful bacteria, which can lead to ingrown hairs, infections, and funky odors. The groin is also one of the most sensitive areas on your body, and the most effective way to clean it is by using gentle soap and a washcloth.

3. Feet

Feet are one of the body parts that should be washed with soap. However, many of us neglect this part, thinking that it will get cleaned just from the soap and water that’s sliding down our body. But, in these areas, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is common, especially if you wear sandals or flip-flops, don’t wear socks, or if you just sweat vigorously.

That’s why, according to a dermatologist, it’s important to not only wash your feet with soap but to scrub them with a pumice stone daily.

The space between your toes should be thoroughly cleaned as well, no matter what kind of shoes or socks you wear. To avoid bacteria and germs from spreading, you need to wash your toes with soap and water and dry them carefully with a towel afterward.

4. Back of the neck

This part of your body can often warm and moist, especially if you have long hair or exercise regularly. Favorable conditions like these can be enticing for body mites and bacteria. That’s why washing the back of your neck daily with soap and an exfoliating bath sponge or a wet washcloth can be crucial for preventing the spread of bacteria.

5. Arms and legs

Unless they are dirty, your arms and legs don’t need to be washed thoroughly every day. The skin on these body parts generally doesn’t produce a lot of oil, so cleaning them with soap every day will leave your skin dry and lifeless.

6. Bellybutton

Many people either forget to clean their belly button or don’t do it correctly. Ideally, you should clean it once a week using the right technique. Dip a cotton swab in a disinfectant and gently wipe the inside of your belly button, repeating the process until the swab comes out clean. Then use a fresh, dry cotton swab to remove any remaining disinfectant. Avoid applying body lotion to the area afterward.

Bonus: Soaping your body before shampooing your hair.

Using a conditioner for your hair can lead to skin irritation and the appearance of acne on your body. To avoid this and remove any leftover conditioner and shampoo from your skin, Dr. Day recommends the following regimen: “Shampoo, rinse it off, apply conditioner, wash your body, and then rinse off the conditioner and body wash at the same time.”

Your body is always communicating with you — and paying attention to those early signals can make a big difference in protecting your long-term health and overall well-being.