As we usher in the New Year of 2025, it’s the perfect time to revamp our wellness routines and embrace habits that foster health and vitality. At scrub-dub®, we're committed to helping you make this transformation with simple but effective changes. Here are some must-try tips to keep you looking and feeling your best all year long.
1. Ditch the Old, Welcome the New: Say Goodbye to Loofahs
Did you know that traditional loofahs can be breeding grounds for bacteria and mold? It’s time to throw away those germ-harboring puffs and switch to a healthier alternative. The scrub-dub® shower tool is designed to keep hygiene at the forefront. With features like easy storing and drying through its convenient hole and body bristles that create a rich, soapy lather, it’s engineered to ensure a cleaner, more refreshing shower experience.
2. Remove Toxic Beauty Products
Kick off the New Year by cleaning up your beauty cabinet. The products we use daily on our skin, hair, and nails are often laden with chemicals that can be detrimental not only to our bodies but also to the environment. By identifying and removing products containing harmful chemicals, you can ensure a healthier and more sustainable beauty routine. Below are some ingredients to avoid in beauty products and why.
Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
Parabens are widely used preservatives in the cosmetic industry. They prevent mold, bacteria, and yeast in beauty products but can disrupt hormone functions, posing a risk to reproductive organs and breast health. Research has linked them to increased risks of breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Phthalates
Commonly found in nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, and other fragranced products, phthalates are chemicals used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastics. They have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Phthalates can affect hormone levels, causing problems such as fertility issues, and developmental disorders in children.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP’s) are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It can cause allergic skin reactions and may also be harmful to the immune system.
Taking Action
When shopping for beauty products, always read the labels and opt for those that are free from these harmful chemicals. Look for certifications that back up organic or natural claims. Brands that are committed to producing clean and safe cosmetics are generally transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. By making informed choices, you can promote healthier skin and a safer environment while supporting industries that prioritize sustainability and consumer safety
3. Rethink Your Hair Care: Don’t Over-Shampoo
Shampooing too often can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Embrace the idea of less is more by reducing your shampoo frequency. When you do wash your hair, consider using scrub-dub’s shampoo scalp spikes for a gentle, effective cleanse that also massages the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
4. Hydrate Inside Out
Skin hydration isn’t just about what you put on your body; it’s also about what you consume. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins and keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated. Couple this with moisturizing after each shower to lock in moisture.
Optimal Water Intake for Health and Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health, but how much water should one drink? The commonly recommended guideline is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon a day (the "8x8" rule). However, individual needs can vary based on factors like age, gender, climate, physical activity level, and overall health.
Key Points for Adequate Hydration:
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Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a primary indicator of when you need water. Drink water even before your get thirsty, as that is a delayed sign your body is already getting dehydrated. Have water at hand; get yourself that cute water bottle you have been wanting. Choose the water bottle that encourages fluid intake for you. For example choose a water bottle with an easy, natural spout or a straw making it easier to just lift and sip.
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Consider Your Needs: Athletes, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people who are ill may need more water. (Some individuals, such as chronic heart failure, may need LESS water.)
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Monitor Urine Color: Aim for pale, straw-colored urine as an indicator of proper hydration.
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Balance with Diet: Remember that fruits, vegetables, and other beverages also contribute to your daily water intake.
Why You Should Clean your Reusable Water Bottle
Your water bottle is an essential companion (or even your emotional support water bottle) for staying hydrated, but it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold if not cleaned daily. As Austin Evangelista, AGPCNP, from Nuvance Health explains, “Bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, thrive in moist environments and can easily contaminate your water bottle if it’s not cleaned regularly” (Nuvance Health, 2025). Proper cleaning helps maintain your health and ensures your drinks taste fresh every time.
How-to-Clean Your Water Bottle:
Here are some ways Evangelista from Nuvance Health wrote how to clean your water bottle effectively :
- Wash Daily with Hot Soapy Water: Use warm water and a mild dish soap to thoroughly clean your water bottle.
- Scrub All Areas: Pay attention to the inside, the outside, and especially the mouthpiece or cap. Use a bottle brush for hard-to-reach places.
- Soak if Necessary: For stubborn odors or residue, let your bottle soak in a mixture of warm water and a bit of baking soda or white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Bottle:
If you smell an odor, see any dirt or residue, or if your drink tastes a little off that means it is REALLY time to clean your reusable water bottle because that could be a sign bacteria or mold is starting to grow. Do not wait, do it before you get sick!
Cleaning your water bottle every day not only extends its lifespan but also protects you from ingesting harmful germs. Keep it clean and stay hydrated the healthy way!
And remember use a personalized approach when increasing your water intake. Start with the 8x8 rule as a baseline and adjust your intake depending on your body's signals and lifestyle demands. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your hydration levels or water intake.
6. Sleep Clean: Change Your Sheets Regularly
Your bed can accumulate sweat, oils, and skin flakes, which can interfere with your skin’s health. Make it a routine to change your bed linens at least once a week to provide a fresh, clean environment for your skin to regenerate overnight. Not to mention, everyone sleeps better in clean sheets!
7. Clean High Touch Surface Areas
A high touched surface area is an area that is frequently touched like your light switches, door handles, remote controllers, and our cell phones! These areas are hotspots for germs especially during cold and flu season. Make sure to wipe down and sanitize these frequently touched surfaces to decrease the spread of germs. (Think about it how many people are touching the light switches or door handles..the answer is A LOT!.)
8. Routine Examinations and Cleansing
Finally, integrate regular skin examinations into your routine. ESPECIALLY, those who live in sunny, warm environments year round (I’m looking at your Arizona and Florida!) Early detection of skin issues can help manage them more effectively. Make use of gentle, thorough cleansing products and techniques that respect your skin’s balance.
9. Replace Your Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, especially if left in damp environments. Replace them every three months or sooner if bristles become frayed. Note: After you get over being sick remember to also throw out your old toothbrush and switch to a new one so you do not risk reinfecting yourself!
This New Year, make a resolution to up your hygiene game.
Simple changes, such as switching to scrub-dub® for a germ-free bathing experience, reevaluating your beauty products, and washing your cute pink reusable water bottle can improve your health and wellness. Remember, a little more care can take your hygiene and beauty routines to new heights. Embrace these tips and set the tone for a beautiful New Year!
Citations
Nuvance Health. (2024, April 10). How often you should wash your reusable water bottle. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.nuvancehealth.org
