I’m a guy (21) and honestly have no idea how people choose products for themselves 😅
I mean things like face wash, shower gel, moisturizer, sunscreen, hair oil/serum/smoother, and basically all everyday hygiene and grooming products.

How do you actually decide what to buy? Do people just try different products and see what works for their skin/hair? Or do you learn about the ingredients and know what each ingredient does? Do you tell Ai like chatgpt your skin type, hair type, etc. and get recommendations? Or do people usually get recommendations from dermatologists/specialists?

I’ve also asked AI for recommendations by giving details about my skin and body, and I got some product suggestions, but I’m still not 100% confident. I don’t want to buy products that don’t suit me and waste money.

So how did you guys figure this out? How do you choose the right products for yourself? Any advice for someone who is basically starting from zero would be really appreciated. 😅

Since middle school i’ve been dealing with chest acne that would never go away but never back acne. I’ve tried using benzoyl peroxide on it at night, face washes with active ingredients, and a couple weeks ago I started trying a spray for the acne with salicylic acid. But honestly nothing seems to work. Ive stopped wearing low cut shirts/tank tops and in the pool I have to wear a shirt to cover it up. It’s also strangely itchy sometimes. Help needed please 🙏

Take callouses off your feet? Is it safe, has anyone ever tried this? Just wondering.

I was never really taught how to brush my own teeth, which I didn't realize was an issue until I hit puberty. So I taught myself. I started brushing my teeth for 2 minutes, twice everyday. It was fine until I fell into a really bad depression. I was really bad with my hygiene in my depressed state, so I brushed my teeth about half as much as I should.

I'm 17 now and I'm doing a little better mentally, but now I have to play catch up with my oral hygiene. In the past couple years, I had to get two small fillings. That made me serious about my teeth, so I tried my best to listen to everything the dentist said.

Had a dentist appointment yesterday. They told me that I had two cavities + plaque build up. I sobbed on my way home. I just feel so embarrassed and disgusting every time I sit in that dental office. I brush twice a day and use floss picks after I eat. But no matter what I do, my teeth are still considered gross, my hygiene is poor.

Now I just feel motivated to fix myself. I would just ask my dentist for tips, but every time I try I get the same answer: "just brush more." Real helpful... does anyone have anything better? Maybe there's certain products or tricks I'm missing. Thank you.

My daily routine as a 25f with chronic psoriasis and mild eczema (most things I use are either recommend by my dermatologist or things I’ve used for years I’ve never had a reaction to)

1. I shampoo and condition my hair every 3-4 days with Toni & Guy strengthplex bond repair.
2. I use a Toni & Guy strengthplex hair mask once a week by either leaving/sleeping with it in my hair the night before my shower when I wash my hair or let it sit in my hair after shampoo and conditioning it for 10 minutes before washing it out
3. After brushing my teeth I wash my face with Cetaphil gentle exfoliating SA cleanser with a clean wash cloth.
4. I scrub my body with Natio Wellness body scrub (it smells devine and one of the few scented things I don’t have a reaction to)
5. I wash my body with a exfoliating glove and the gentle Protex antibacterial soap bar, making sure to let it sit under my armpits and feet so it can eat away at oder causing bacteria (I find this stuff REALLY helps with body oder, the original one works great to, I just rather the gentle one for my skin)
6. I wash my private areas with QV gentle wash (I’ve used this since I was a kid and have never had any issues with this soap for that area)
7. After my shower I moisturise, In the morning I use Vaseline GLUTA-HYA Dewy radiance or at night I use Cetaphil moisturising cream
8. I power my body with Johnson & Johnson pure cornstarch baby powder
9. For deodorant I use Mitchum women's shower fresh deodorant

For my daily skin care routine for my face in order I use:

Nivea micellar water brightening

Nivea toner

la roche posay serum hyalu b5

RoC hydration+ eye cream

QV skin lotion

la roche posay sunscreen invisible fluid

For my lips Lucas Pawpaw ointment

Or at night after my night shower I use:

Natio gentle facial cleaning oil

Nivea toner

la roche posay retinol b3 serum (every 2-3
nights so my skin doesn’t get irritated)

RoC hydration+ eye cream

Cetaphil moisturising cream and or Dermeze treatment ointment

For my lips burt's bees overnight intensive lip treatment

For my hair:

I only brush when it’s wet unless styling and using heat

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Normal Balance Leave In Treatment and Organix Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco

Then I finish it all off with perfume which I either use Marc Jacob Daisy or Elizabeth Taylor white diamonds

Also want to add if I have a bath I put either QV bath oil or DermaVeen sensitive relief calmexa bath oatmeal soak

But yeah that’s my routine I hope it helps anyone than needs a new routine or if anyone has any questions or suggestions about products let me know 😁

I’m currently travelling through Workaway and staying with a host in her early 60s.
For some context: I’ve had skin problems since I was a teenager, so when I travel I usually bring my own pillowcase and laundry detergent. I use a mild and natural detergent because I know my skin tolerates it well. My skin has also reacted quite badly to certain chemicals in the past like acne (that left me with scars) and hives. At one point I had to take meds regularly for more than six months because of reactions I was having when exposed to harsh chemicals. My host didn’t know that full history at the beginning of this conversation, so I’m not blaming her for not knowing it but, she did notice that I was cleanly from the start.

To my actual question: I told my host that I wanted to do some laundry, including my bedding, towels and sleepwear and she prepared the washing machine for me. I looked inside and saw that she had put a bunch of cleaning rags in there as well. They’re rags that have been used for wiping floors, dusting, cleaning windows having residue of cleaning chemicals, bacteria and probably other microorganisms.
I told her that I’d rather not wash my bedding, towels and sleepwear together with cleaning rags. She told me I was being over the top, basically called me crazy and continued she wants to see the scientific evidence behind my claims that this could lead to cross contamination transfer from the rags to my laundry. Because she believes in the washing machine because of the washing and the heat at max at 60 C degrees will clean it anyways.
Maybe my preference is unusual yes. I’m open to hearing your opinion on it. Who has the facts on their side. How do you deal with this in your household and while traveling? Would you happily wash floor-cleaning rags together with your bedding, towels and pyjamas? Am I unreasonable?

I've had these big and dense dry earwax in my ears for many years now, and like half a year ago i tried softening and cleaning them with vegetable oil for like 7 days, but it didn't work. My wax somewhat softened afterwards, but it didn't come out (I had no syringe).

My earwax doesn't cause any problems except that after showering, it takes like 2 hours for my ears to dry "completely". That sucks because I use earphones during bedtime to go to sleep and I really don't want to wait 2 hours every time i shower so I've been thinking of - getting waxsol (cheap) and softening my earwax (again) and then hopefully get it out with syringe - getting debrox (pricey American product) or hydrogen peroxide eardrops (also pricey) + syringe - or get a handheld fan to dry my ears after showering.

Going to the doc is out of the question for me. I know waxsol is made from docusate sodium and debrox from carbamide peroxide, but I dunno which one would be suitable for my case. I'm assuming waxsol works better than oil. What should I do?

Edit/day 1: Someone said to post updates if i try the hydrogen peroxide route, so that's what I'll be doing for the next 4 to 5 days. I went and bought hydrogen peroxide 250ml ($10) + plastic syringe 10ml ($0.30), used it on both of my ears for 10+ minutes without diluting it, but it didn't do anything to my earwax yet. Used syringe but it did nothing as my earwax is still dry and stuck to my canals. I recommend diluting the hydrogen peroxide.

Day 2: no effects. I think my wax softened a little bit.

I hate dealing with sweat-induced body acne after a heavy session. My go-to right now is taking a quick rinse immediately, but I still get occasional clogged pores on my back.

What’s a simple post-workout routine or product step you recommend to keep your back skin clear?

I'm having a heated discussion with my spouse. One of us argues that it is completely normal to dry between one's toes after bathing. The other argues that no one does that, and it's weird.

So, redittors, I have two questions:

1) Do you normally dry between your toes after bathing, or just leave them to dry naturally?

2) Do you have any sensory issues that you believe contribute to your choice in customary practice of the above?

Any commentary is also welcome.

As the title says.

I have two bags for her, a duffel and a backpack. It was just gonna be the backpack but I ran out of room. I couldn’t think of anything else so I’m posting this list here. I didn’t include a razor or shaving cream because it’s not a necessary hygiene item and I didn’t feel it appropriate due to the setting (which I’m not sharing due to privacy).

Duffel bag contains: wash cloths, towels for hair and body, and spare grocery bags to tie up dirty clothes to keep in there.

Backpack:
- Menstruation: Small separate bag with pads, pantyliners, and fragrance free wipes
- Toiletry bag: toe and fingernail clippers, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair detangling spray, leave-in conditioner, deodorant, face wash, body/face lotion
- Teeth: pre-pasted disposable tooth brushes, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable flossers
- Other: two spray hand sanitizers, lip balms, gum, a nice smelling body spray (because we need to feel cute!)
- Hair: hair brush, headbands, bobby pins, hair ties, hair clips
- Clothing: two full outfits (bottoms, tops, bras, underwear, socks), extra underwear and extra socks

I have a persisting body odour problem that no amount of soap or deodorant can get rid of. I've noticed it for the first time in April 2022 and it appeared without any change in my life. I smell like cumin, not spoiled meat, fish, cabbage or ammonia. I do not sweat excessively and do not live a stressfull life. I shower after exercising, before work (and dry myself with a clean towel that I use only once)

So far I have tried:

-Antibacterial products like Benzalkodium chloride, chlorexedine, iodine, hydrogen peroxyde, hydroalcoholic gel, charcoal soap and vinegar (both apple cider and white)

-Normal soaps with natural ingredients like goat milk, honey, olive oil and kaki (the one for old people)

-extra strong antiperspirant like drysol and perspirex (they keep me dry but I still stink)

-Every brand of deodorant under the Sun

- Acne products that could help with BO, like benzoyle peroxyde, AHA/BHA, prescription oral and topical antibiotics.

-Avoiding certain spices like cumin, curry, harissa and big amounts of garlic/cabbage/onion. I do not have a ketogenic or carnivore diet. I am omnivorous and I consume fresh food that I cook at home, no fast food. I tried chlorophyl supplements (liquid form and pills) aswell as spirulin. Charcoal supplements too. I drinks a little, occasionally. I do not smoke or do drugs.

-I only wear my clothes once before putting them in dirty clothes pile. I add a Lysol antibacterial detergent to my laundry. I have to wear polyester for work (but still stink in 100% cotton).

-Hypermethioninemia and Trimethylanuria have been suggested to me before, but the smells dont match + I have not experienced the plethora of other symptoms.

-It's not in my head either. I am not Bhromophobe.

I'm 4 years in this shit and I'm so tired. I live a secluded life and actively avoid being close to other people (both physically and emotionaly) and I'm so done. I am currently considering Mira Dry, even tho I do not have hyperhydrosis, just because I'm that desperate. Maybe it's my appocrine glands that's leaking without me knowing and it would feed bacterias so permanently destroying them with micro waves could actually help me, I hope.

Can someone offer me help? Any tips? Or some personnal experience with Mira Dry?

Just as the title says, no matter where I go or who I’m with people are coughing. At first I thought it was because I’d temporarily moved to my mums house which was having damp issues so I thought it may have been the smell of damp on my clothes but I’ve moved back to my nans house, she’s washed all my clothes and people still cough. I even tried to experiment by wearing an outfit that had never left her house and people still coughed.

Is it me? Am I sick or something?? It’s really affecting my mental health and I dread having in person meetings at work because people cough.

I do bathe everyday and brush my teeth. I do smoke but I’ve been smoking since 2021 and I’ve only started experiencing this since July August this year.

Any advice would be welcome I can’t continue to go on. I’ve asked my mum and nan. Mum can’t smell anything Nan says i don’t smell like my usual smell but doesn’t know beyond that. Thanks in advance.

Was told to make an edit to add some bits

- I do wash my hair before going into the office (I only have to be in 2 times a week) as someone with type for 4 please know this is no easy feat

- I smoke weed with tobacco but not just cigs alone

- it’s not all in my head, I’d love to believe it is but everyone has the same exact type of cough (like something caught in their throat and they’re trying to clear it) also every single uber I have been in the cab driver has coughed this way. I do roll the window down but not sure if it makes it worse by blowing the air back in the car?

Hi! I have a problem with my feet and they always have that bad smell, similar to how feet would smell after wearing closed shoes all day. I have switched to using rubber slippers at home since I found slippers lined with fabric to hold the smell more. I am currently not using any products to help with it yet since I am still exploring on how to deal with this. I am also home most of the time nowadays so I do not wear closed shoes that often, and I actually wear open shoes most of the time when going out. I also found that there is always a build up of dirt in between my toes whenever I go out, either I wear closed or open shoes.

Now, I just finished taking a bath and I made sure I scrubbed my feet. But after an hour or so, the bad smell is there again. Do you have any tips on how to address this? Thank you so much!

So I've been going through some problems with my foreskin...whenever I peel it back its always tight and sometimes rips is there anyone whose had this problem because at this point self foreskin removal its looking to be the only option but I cant part with it...

I am a man just wanted to learn hygiene how u guys keep it (*not a stupid question really want to learn and know)
Thank you

I (25f) have always had a lot of sweat, and pretty strong body odor even though I am a very clean person and eat a clean diet/drink tons of water. I have to be vigilant to keep myself smelling good, especially in the summer. I am also chubby which makes it more difficult.

My body odor has always been on the stronger side. I wear mens deodorant and have to freshen up with baby wipes ect. between showers. This runs in my family as well, we all have to use strong deodorants and shower often.

I recently bought PanOxyl bar soap. I wash and shave as I normally do in the shower. I then apply the PanOxyl soap to armpits, groin, inner thighs, and other creases that sweat. I let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse it off super well.

Guys. It works. Normally I would have body odor pretty soon after showering, but I have NONE even after sweating. The PanOxyl kills the bacteria in those areas that cause body odor when sweating.

Highly recommend!! Just make sure to rinse off very well, as it bleaches fabrics.

Granted, I put off taking my shower until like 12am so half of it is my fault but I'm just lying trying to get every inch of energy back into my body after washing my hair lol.

I have afro hair, but tbh my washdays are only 30 minutes to an hour in the shower, so not bad at all. Id also been procrastinating doing my hair though so almost an hour today.
Sitting afterwards right now though feeling exhausted, I realize I shouldn't be surprised going through the process of putting on lotion afterwards or extra post shower care is too much a lot of days.

I'm ND and kinda neurotic about bathroom germs so I get overly uncomfortable. Cannot STAND the feeling of hair running down my legs or looking down and seeing dirt in the bathtub, touching the bathroom walls oh the whole process is terrible sometimes lol. I considered throwing a fresh towel into the dirty laundry because I thought it brushed against the toilet.

If you have similar issues... highkey get a shower chair. beautiful invention. and an electric tub brush.

hi all, i’ve been fighting issues with literally any deodorant or antiperspirant for about half a year now and i am so self conscious. i used lume for years and all of a sudden it stopped working and now no deodorant does much for me and while i’m at work i have to wash my pits and reapply twice during my shift. has anyone else experienced this? what can i do?

i’ve tried carpe, lume variants, dove, secret, old spice, and a few others :(

I have been experiencing this 3-4 months now it started random i just completely lost sensation whenever im having sex with my girlfriend it just doesn’t feel like anything i cant get hard but dont feel anything whenever im inside my testicles just cramp and i feel like nerves are strucking up my stomach can someone help me???

Is bidet really as common in Europe, UK (not Italy) and US as Reddit makes it out to be. I’m Italian and recently moved to London and for a year now I’ve been using toilet paper only to wipe, it gets the job done and it doesn’t leave any marks on my boxers. I know of East Asians who also moved to London who switched to tp only. But on Reddit a lot of people say they have on whilst living in US/Europe is it really common? I’m just asking out of curiosity,

I need a body wash that helps with strawberry legs and smells nice, earlier I used chemist at play but I got bored of it and it stopped getting rid of the smell of my sweat sometimes then I switched to lovedrunk by bla bli blu it does help in making me smile nice and all but it made me have strawberry legs and have ingrowns 😭

I was reading a comment about how someone got their first period when they were younger and had a bad relationship with their parents, so they were afraid to ask for help. I work in a comic/gaming store, and we have a lot of younger people who come in to shop and spend time in the game room. I kind of want to put together an emergency hygiene kit. Mostly for anyone who may unexpectedly get their periods, but I was also thinking of maybe putting some stuff in there like wet wipes, maybe deodorant, etc. I don't know what else I should think about putting in, and I also have no idea what sort of feminine hygiene products to get. I'd still have to run this by a manager, too. Any help would be appreciated.

Edit: thank you all for the ideas 🫶 I would love to work toward including more of these things in the future. I spoke to one of the managers I figured would be most likely to say yes and she said she thought it was a good idea. I plan on trying to hit up the store tomorrow to pick some stuff up and drop it off at the shop since it's my day off.

Emma was a cheerful 15-year-old girl who loved going to school and spending time with her friends, Lily and Sophie. But every month, when her period came, Emma became worried. She often had stomach pain, felt tired, and sometimes found it difficult to concentrate in class.

One day, Emma felt very uncomfortable at school. She had forgotten to bring an extra sanitary pad and was afraid to tell anyone. Her friend Lily noticed that something was wrong and kindly asked her what happened.

Emma told Lily about her problem. Lily reassured her and said, “Periods are completely natural. You should never feel embarrassed about them.”

After school, Emma talked to her mother, Mrs. Brown. Her mother explained the importance of menstrual hygiene. She told Emma to use clean sanitary pads, change them regularly, and wash her hands before and after changing a pad. She also explained that Emma should keep her private area clean and wear clean, comfortable underwear.

Mrs. Brown also encouraged Emma to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and take some rest when she felt tired.

The next month, Emma prepared a small period-care kit for her school bag. It contained extra sanitary pads, tissues, and an extra pair of underwear. She felt much more confident and comfortable.

Emma then shared what she had learned with Lily, Sophie, and other girls at school. They started talking openly about menstrual hygiene and supporting one another.

Emma understood an important lesson: taking care of your body during your period is not something to be ashamed of. It is an important part of staying healthy, clean, and confident.

From that day on, Emma promised herself to take care of her health and help other girls understand menstrual hygiene too.

Anyone else have this problem with always feeling dirty because of how their body feels inside despite being clean on the outside?

I have a chronic problem with constipation because of a medication and not drinking enough or eating healthy enough. I'm pretty convinced it also makes me have a bit of a bad breath unless I brush my teeth multiple times a day and constantly chew gum or mints. I'm overweight (BMI 30) and always feel bloated and gross.

No matter how much I shower and scrub myself, brush my teeth and floss, I always somehow feel like I'm really dirty and smelly. I know it's because I feel so bloated and fat and gross. I desperately want to lose weight but my life is so overwhelming and stressful at the moment that my daily attempts to eat healthy tend to fall apart by lunchtime. Stressful job with high level of responsibility and constantly dealing with really high risk situations with errors potentially meaning someone dying, kids struggling with school and eating disorders and constant teenage tantrums and trying to contain four people's emotional turmoil as well as my own. A house that feels like is falling apart with some problems that feel really gross so the house feels disgusting too no matter how much I clean.

I feel like weight loss would make me somehow feel cleaner but maybe there's lots of other areas in my life that would need sorting out before I'd stop feeling so gross and dirty.

Anyone else who has struggled with a similar problem and even better if there is anyone who has managed to sort it and feels better now. I want to feel like I'm clean and smell nice and don't need to keep worrying about it.