Men and women approach hygiene quite differently. Men are assumed to have lower grooming and personal hygiene standards than women. A study found that men are less likely to wash their hands even after petting an animal, handling food, coughing or sneezing.

 

With the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a lockdown, we have been confined to work from home. And, staying at home for long hours may also set in lethargy. There may be a tendency to ignore some basic hygiene matters on a daily basis. It is time to re-examine your personal hygiene habits as these can have far reaching consequences.

 

These are some golden rules every man must practice.

 

An easily ignored area, oral health is a vital part of personal hygiene. You should brush twice a day, floss and scrub your tongue at least once a day. Tongue is often the most-neglected body part. If not cleaned properly, it is a great place for bacteria that lies in the mouth to accumulate. So, clean the tongue properly to avoid bad breath and combat cavity formation due to food decay.

 

It is important to keep hair on the head, facial hair and nasal hair trimmed and groomed. Shave regularly and use beard grooming products appropriately. Keep the underarms and pubic hair also clean and trimmed.

 

Even at home, do wash your face at least twice a day using a facial cleanser or face wash. Do not use soap, body gel or body scrub on the face as it will strip your skin of essential moisture and upset its natural pH balance, leaving it irritated and dry. You can also use facial masks such as mud, clay, homemade or oatmeal masks. There is a mask out there for every type of skin. This allows for the removal of blackheads found on your nose and cheeks, and sometimes on your chin and ears.

 

Sweat post workout can clog your pores trapping oil and dead skin cells inside, which leads to zits and painful cystic acne not only on your face, but also on your back, arms and legs. The only solution is to get in the shower and lather yourself with a body wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Avoid using excessively hot water. Hot showers and baths can cause dryness, redness, itching, and even peeling. Use only lukewarm water always.

 

Groin area-grooming should not be forgotten. Nether regions are usually moist, warm and dark – all great for bacteria to breed. Presence of bacteria down there can cause bad odour and skin infection. So wash the area regularly and dry it gently and thoroughly. Use an antifungal dusting powder after drying the area. Wear an underwear that breathes well.

 

Also, change your towel regularly and keep your bed sheets super clean since they are typically made of a polyester/cotton blend that tends to trap odour.

 

If your toenails have started collecting dirt, it is a sign to cut them off. Dont forget to trim your cuticles, the flaps of skin on the sides of your nails. Apply hand lotion or cream to keep them soft, and prevent calluses and cracking.

 

Applying lotion to your body, and moisturising your lips is not only for women. Avoid licking your lips to moisturise them as it can cause your mouth to dry out and result in rough or cracked skin.