Fashion
How To Clean Your Yoga Mat Properly
Yoga can be super nourishing for both your body and soul, but it might also be the culprit behind your pimples. If you suspect your mat is making your skin break out, here's how to clean your yoga mat properly. You'll be able to put your forehead into child's pose without any fear you'll stand back up in "pimpled adult pose." Can I get #praise to that?!
"Yoga mats are a hotbed of contamination, literally and figuratively," Dr. Robert Lahita, the chairman of medicine and vice president of the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center told Fox News Magazine. "It's a big issue — this is even bigger than cell phones or airline seats," he claimed.
Why? U Penn dermatology professor, Elizabeth Grice shared in Philly Mag that Propionibacteria acnes (a bacteria linked with acne) can thrive on yoga mats if they're not cleaned properly. That means you could be sucking up someone else's pimple-inducing bacteria every time you get your "Om" on. Yuck.
Yoga Journal advised the best way to dodge acne-induced breakouts is by bringing your own mat, but you'll still need to clean it properly to avoid any dirt and grime build up landing on your face.
Follow the steps below for the cleanest yoga mat around!
1. Spritz With Cleaner After Class
All-Natural Refresh Yoga Mat Cleaner, $9, Treesnail
No matter what, always have an antibacterial cleaning spritz to wipe down your mat with before drying it with a towel. My personal favorites feature natural disinfectants like tea tree oil.
2. Suds It Up Weekly
Antibacterial Foaming Soap, $5, Amazon
Once a week, Well+Good advised giving your mat a serious deep cleaning with a sponge and antibacterial soap. A little goes a long way, and definitely don't skip hanging it to dry thoroughly after. The last thing you want is a moldy mat!
3. Toss It In The Washer Once A Month
Founder of I.Am.You yoga in New York City, Lauren Imparato, told Well+Good, "Throw [your mat] in the washing machine once a month. No soap. Then into the dryer on medium to high heat." This will zap any lingering bacteria that could harm your skin.
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