The Correct Order: Hair First, Then Body
The sequence in which you wash matters more than most people realize. Dermatologists recommend washing hair first — shampoo and conditioner — before cleaning the body. Dr. Cheema, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that washing hair first prevents shampoo and conditioner residue from sitting on the skin after you cleanse your body, which can clog pores and contribute to body acne, particularly on the back and shoulders. Dr. Schneider goes further: she washes her back with a benzoyl peroxide soap specifically after shampooing and conditioning to address any residue that may have deposited on the skin and to gently exfoliate the area most prone to shampoo-related breakouts. Beginning with hair also means the body wash step, done last, clears away any product that has run down during hair washing.
Soap: Use Less Than You Do
Most people use soap on more of their body than is necessary or beneficial. Dr. Campbell recommends limiting soap to the face, underarms, groin, and feet — and to any other areas that are visibly dirty — and using warm water alone for the rest of the body. Dr. Corinne Erickson, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends applying body wash with the hands rather than a loofah or washcloth, noting that loofahs and scrub brushes are too harsh for skin and can damage the protective barrier that soap is supposed to maintain. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing mild soaps with added oils, gentle cleansers, or shower gels with added moisturizers, and avoiding antibacterial soaps for routine daily use, as these can kill healthy skin bacteria along with harmful ones and allow antibiotic-resistant bacteria to take hold.
Heavily fragranced soaps and body washes are a consistent concern in dermatological guidance. Dr. Robert Simonds of Intermountain Health recommends fragrance-free soaps as the default for almost everyone, noting that soaps with strong scents can trigger sensitivity over time, cause allergic reactions, and worsen existing dry or sensitive skin. For people with eczema or sensitive skin, fragranced products are a common and often unrecognized trigger for flares.
