A dermatologist has issued a stark warning to those who use a sponge in the shower – and common things she would never do when washing her body.

Many of us have a set routine for our skincare or shower regimen, and use the same products we always have. But this medical professional insists there are several common shower routines and products that could be causing more harm than good.

Skincare guru Dr Aamna Adel regularly shares her advice on social media and has gathered over 530,000 followers on her Instagram page. Recently, she revealed three things she would never do as a dermatologist when it comes to hygiene. Dr Adel is adamant that you should not use a shower sponge or loofah.

“You will never catch me washing with a loofah,” she declared.

Speaking via her page @dermatologist_adel, Dr Adel continued: “You might think that it will help get your skin nice and squeaky clean but, wrong. This is one of the grossest things out there because they are just sitting there in your shower collecting bacteria, fungus, mould, and then you are literally spreading that around your body.”

Dr Adel recommends simply using your hands to wash your body, or if you prefer using a tool to apply shower gel, a silicone mitt is a fantastic alternative. They are both way more hygienic,” the expert concluded.

She also advised against using feminine hygiene products, explaining: “Even though these are made for your lady parts they are actually so drying.” She suggested that if women want to wash their private areas, they could use QV gentle wash for sensitive skin, which is priced at £12.50 on Amazon.

Dr Adel also recommended using separate towels for the body and face, stating: “The number of people I see doing this literally,” and further explained: “I would never use the same towel that I use to dry my groin and my feet that I use on my face because that is how a fungal infection spreads if you have one.”

One shocked viewer quickly commented on the advisory video, exclaiming: “What the f***…I am the most hygiene obsessed person I know and I’ve been using a loofah my entire life. Throwing it out tomorrow! ” Another added: “This right here is 1000% useful. Loofas in a busy shower are always wet that can’t be good. Oh man I never know if people take my face towel for their hands so when in doubt just grab a new one. Better to have clear skin and more laundry.”

A fellow dermatologist chimed in, saying: “Using the same towel for your feet, groin and body is the ultimate way to spread a fungal infection.”

But some insisted their tried-and-tested methods haven’t given them grief. One individual piped up: “I’ve been using bath towels on my whole body and face and then use the same towel typically 2 to 3 times for my entire life and I’ve never had a problem.”

Another joined in, saying: “Been using loofahs all my life, Japanese brand, my family also for over 25 years, not a single skin infection whatsoever or even any sort abnormal infection at all. Soap and then clean it off and hang it dry.”