How to Improve My Personal Hygiene: Dos and Don’ts to Know

If how to improve my personal hygiene is a question you’ve been asking yourself, the answer is simpler than you think. Good personal hygiene practices come down to a few simple daily habits that include showering daily, brushing your teeth twice a day, and washing your hands after using the restroom.

Ready to turn these basics into habits that actually stick? Let’s break down why daily personal hygiene and practices matter – and how they benefit more than just your health.

On top of health and cleanliness, personal hygiene impacts your mental health and helps you navigate your social life with confidence. It prevents small issues, such as B.O., bad breath, and minor skin conditions, from snowballing into more serious health problems.

What’s more, cleanliness is also a subtle way of showing consideration for others, from co-workers and friends to people you interact with daily. Plus, having good hygiene definitely counts for pogi points, because it shows that you take care of yourself well.

When it comes to personal hygiene, consistency is key. Use this daily routine guide to help you form the right habits for a healthier lifestyle.

Sure, this may sound basic, but there are days when you might be tempted to skip bathing because it’s cold, you didn’t leave your house anyway, or hindi ka pinawisan. A daily shower is necessary to wash away the dirt, B.O.-causing bacteria, perspiration, and product residue that accumulate on your body.

Pay extra attention to areas where sweat tends to build up, such as your underarms, feet, and groin. So, yup, you need to shower every day, because bacteria build-up occurs regardless of the reasons mentioned above.

Upgrade your shower routine by using trusted hygiene products like Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Wash. Its MICROMOISTURE technology effectively washes away bacteria while keeping skin healthy and moisturized.

Of course, practicing good hygiene doesn’t stop the moment you step out of the shower – you also have to ensure you stay fresh and clean the entire day. Rexona Men Natural Fresh Lime Cool Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On protects you from sweat and odor all day long, thanks to natural ingredients like charcoal, lime, menthol, and natural fragrance essential oils.

For your hair, the CDC suggests you shampoo and condition your hair regularly to remove dirt, dead skin cells, sweat, product residue, and sebum buildup. Men naturally have oily scalps, which makes them more prone to seborrheic dermatitis and other types of scalp irritations.

Proper hair hygiene helps prevent greasy or smelly hair and reduces the risk of ringworm, dandruff, and psoriasis. For best results, choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type.

A good shampoo, like CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men, can help combat that. It deeply cleanses your scalp’s pores and removes excess sebum, leaving your scalp fresh and clean.

Aside from preventing embarrassing bad breath, brushing your teeth and flossing every day wards off tartar and plaque buildup, protecting you from gum disease and cavities.

Use a product like closeup All Around Fresh Soothing Menthol Toothpaste. Formulated with micro-shine crystals and an antibacterial formula, it not only cleans the deepest corners of your mouth, but also prevents cavities, freshens your breath, and helps fight 99% of bad-breath-causing bacteria.

According to the CDC, most communicable diseases are transmitted through your hands, so keeping them clean is crucial. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, when preparing food, before meals, whenever you handle a dirty surface, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

Here’s a quick reviewer on how to wash your hands properly: Use soap and water to lather up for 20 seconds, scrubbing the palms, the back of the hands, between your fingers, and underneath the nails. Then, rinse and dry with a clean towel or tissue paper.

Because your hands are the main culprits in spreading germs, it’s best to keep them off your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you are unable to wash your hands, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol to get rid of germs.

Now that you’ve established a solid daily routine, it’s just as important to recognize the habits that can undermine your efforts and cause common bad hygiene problems.

Beyond washing your hair, good hygiene also means not sharing personal items like combs and brushes to prevent the spread of ringworm and head lice. It also requires keeping your hair neat and groomed. After all, your hair might be clean, but if it looks unkempt, it can still cost you precious pogi points.

Along with brushing and flossing daily, avoid sugary treats, don’t smoke, and reduce your alcohol intake. Smoking and alcoholic drinks not only cause oral health problems, but they also increase the risk of cancer.

Dirt and germs can accumulate under your nails, so keeping them short and clean helps prevent infections and diseases. It goes without saying that biting your nails is a big no-no. The same goes for hangnails.

Aside from washing your hands and trimming your nails, be sure to keep your nail-grooming tools clean. Getting a mani-pedi at the salon? Request that they sterilize the tools and equipment, or better yet, bring your own. Also, ask them to leave your cuticles alone as they serve as barriers against bacteria.

Exposed to urine, excrement, and sweat, the genital area requires special attention. It's important to wash it daily with mild soap and water to avoid an unpleasant smell and possible health issues.

After peeing, wipe excess urine with toilet paper or shake off gently. Luckily, Pinoys love their tabo and bidet, so you should have no trouble washing after every bowel movement. Finally, changing your underwear daily is non-negotiable.

Manners maketh man, but so do his clothes. Since what you wear comes into contact with the environment as well as your sweat and oil, regular washing is crucial. Dirty clothes can trap bacteria, cause unpleasant odors, and even lead to skin irritation.

This also means that it’s inadvisable to wear your clothes more than once, especially your socks and underwear. No side-A, side-B practices, please. And because your feet have more sweat glands and shoes are often enclosed, make it a point to air out your shoes to prevent athlete’s foot.

When you do the laundry, wash and dry your clothes properly to avoid the dreaded kulob smell. And press them so that you look more presentable and put-together.

Whether you’re heading to the gym, traveling, or going to the office, a compact hygiene kit helps you stay clean and prepared for the unexpected – be it an accidental spill or food stuck in between your teeth. Essentials like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a comb, and a spare pair of underwear keep you fresh and presentable on the go.

Practicing good personal hygiene should keep the doctor – and the dentist – away. Forgetting to keep your regular teeth-cleaning appointment could lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Likewise, failing to have a doctor check your skin infection could make it spread... and much harder to treat. And if symptoms and conditions persist despite proper hygiene or if there’s pain, swelling, or discharge, don't hesitate to schedule a visit with your healthcare professional.

If you’re struggling with bad odor, bad breath, or other hygiene concerns, learning how to improve my personal hygiene is crucial! Consider this guide to help you build habits that will keep you clean, healthy, and protected from germs and infections. After all, personal hygiene goes beyond just looking and smelling good. It gives you a confidence boost, and allows you to live your best life.