Expert tips for hygienic living
Wearing make-up to the gym is not a good idea for your skin
Remember the shocking study that revealed there are more germs in handbags than in the toilet bowl?
Germs are lurking everywhere in our daily activities. So we consulted experts in different fields to find out what else we need to be aware of.
Stop wearing make-up to the gym
We all end up sweaty and pulling our faces in many different directions when we feel the burn.
So what could be the harm in dabbing on a little make-up to ensure we do not look as horrible when working out, particularly if there is someone who tickles our fancy in the gym? A lot, according to dermatologist Linda Smith.
“Our pores open up as we get hot from working out,” she says. “While you can still wear a bit of eyeliner, mascara or even lipstick, be very careful of wearing any foundation or powder as combined with all the sweating from your workout, they will clog up your pores and result in a lot of break outs.”
Smith recommends washing your face properly before and after a good workout, and applying a good cleanser and toner to close up the pores so your skin can breathe.
Stop swimming with your contact lenses
Contact lenses are the norm nowadays – so much so that some people go to sleep with them, something many eye specialists warn against.
While one can get away with breaking a few contact lense rules, there is one warning you should heed, according to optometrist Wesley Makhubu.
“Most people do not know that contact lenses typically absorb any water around them,” he says.
“The problem is that water in swimming pools may contain harmful chemicals and even viruses and bacteria, particularly because not everyone who comes into a swimming pool practises good hygiene,” says Makhubu.
“These viruses, bacteria and chemicals can be absorbed by the contacts, and eventually make their way into your eyes, making them infected.”
He says the bacteria may be so severe in certain cases it can lead to blindness.
Makhubu recommends using disposable contact lenses if you really cannot avoid swimming without your contacts, and discarding them immediately afterwards.
He also recommends applying eye drops to clean your eyes before wearing your regular contact lenses again.
Stop wearing tight underwear
We all enjoy the support that our underwear can offer us, but did you know that you could be cutting off your circulation by going to sleep in underwear if it is too tight?
This is according to general practitioner Dr Albert Nchoe.
“Wearing underwear that is super tight can cut off your circulation, and in instances where it is worn on a regular basis can actually start to compress your colon and your intestines, which can lead to a variety of problems,” Nchoe says.
“For most women, underwear that is very tight can lead to a build-up of moisture and result in a variety of infections, particularly because their pubic skin tends to be very sensitive.”
Nchoe recommends stocking up on cotton underwear in the right size and fit, and ensuring the fabric is breathable.
Wearing underwear that is super tight can cut ... circulation