5 Pillars of Proper Hygiene to Help You Live Your Best Life

Proper hygiene, including body, facial, and dental health practices, protects us from germs, harmful bacteria, and diseases. Moreover, it allows us to live our best lives. Hygiene is important and these simple habits improve our health and well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper hygiene practices can prevent the spread of hygiene-related diseases, which often keep individuals from living a normal life, having healthy relationships, and developing self-confidence. Some examples include athlete’s foot, head lice, tooth decay, folliculitis, and ringworm. In addition, proper hygiene is important because it prevents body odor, bad breath, and infections. 

The CDC defines dental hygiene as the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean to prevent diseases. Tooth decay is the most common result of not so good dental hygiene. Periodontal disease or the infection of the gums can also cause teeth to become loose, making it difficult to chew. Proper brushing and regular flossing can prevent these diseases and bad breath caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. 

To improve your dental health, practice good oral hygiene and look for antibacterial ingredients in your toothpaste. closeup All Around Fresh Cool Mint Toothpaste has zinc antibacterial mouthwash to protect against bacteria. It also contains deep-cleaning silica that lifts plaque and fluoride that guards teeth against cavities.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that is characterized by the flaking of the scalp. While not serious, it can lead to uncomfortable itching and low self-esteem. Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective way to treat and control dandruff is by using anti-dandruff shampoo. A shampoo like CLEAR Ice Cool Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo eliminates flakes and nourishes the scalp back to health, effectively getting rid of dandruff.

The AAD lists facial cleanliness as an important part of personal hygiene and a pillar of basic skin care. It recommends using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser to remove dirt and oil from the surface of the skin without drying it. Keeping the skin from drying out is essential to protecting the skin barrier and preventing irritation and inflammation.

A hydrating cleanser such as POND’S Facial Foam with 4D Hyaluronic Acid Complex and niacinamide cleanses the skin while reducing dullness and brightening dark spots. The niacinamide gently refines the skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, while the hyaluronic acid draws water to the skin.

Based on the CDC, many diseases are spread by not washing hands with soap and running water. Proper handwashing means rubbing hands with soap for 20 seconds, making sure to get between the fingers and under the nails. When soap is not available, using an antibacterial hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethyl alcohol solution will also effectively kill germs and bacteria.

Keeping the nails clean is also an essential part of hand hygiene. Use Lifebuoy Hand Wash Total 10, which delivers 99.99% germ protection within the first 10 seconds. 

Doing your laundry regularly is just as important as showering daily. Imagine feeling clean, only to put on a T-shirt that may already have germs from dust, oils, and sweat! This goes for your pillowcases and sheets, too. Remember, good hygiene extends to your surroundings, too! Make sure to clean your clothes and beddings diligently for infection control.

Everyone has a unique odor that can be influenced by diet, health, medications, and even gender. Underarm odor becomes unpleasant when bacteria break down sweat into certain acids. Stay fresh and dry after showering with a deodorant that protects against sweat and body odor, so you feel confident to take on the day.

The AAD recommends keeping the underarms clean by using antibacterial soap and applying deodorant to prevent bacteria from thriving. Rexona Women Natural Brightening Deo Dry Serum in Fresh Sakura comes in a light serum formula that dries easily, doesn’t stain clothes, and naturally brightens the underarms. It’s an antiperspirant that’s equipped with MotionSense, protecting you from sweat and odor for up to 48 hours.

Feel fresh, clean, and confident by observing proper hygiene daily. Not only will you be protecting yourself from germs and bacteria, but you’ll also be boosting your self-esteem.