The Body Part Most People Miss In The Shower, According To Our Dermatologist

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Whether you love to languish in the relatable self-care ritual of the everything shower, embrace the quiet joy of a nothing shower, or hop in and get down to business, you may be forgetting to clean one spot. According to expert Dr. Aanand Geria, that spot is behind the ears.

If this is you, don't worry: You're not alone. As Dr. Geria, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai and board-certified dermatologist at Geria Dermatology, explains exclusively to Glam, "The area behind the ears is often missed during regular hygiene." But just because many of us miss this area, doesn't mean we should continue in ignorant bliss. Sorry to burst the soap bubble. "Neglecting [the area] can lead to several skin issues," Dr. Geria goes on. "When not cleaned regularly, it can cause odor, irritation, clogged pores, or even infections."

As Dr. Geria notes, "This spot tends to trap sweat, oil, dead skin, and debris, especially since it's warm, often covered by hair or glasses, and gets little airflow. That environment allows bacteria and yeast to thrive." Is this area of the body more important to wash than others? No, he says. "While it's not more vulnerable than other areas, it's frequently overlooked, which increases the risk of buildup-related problems."

The excellent news about this potential grossness is that it's easy to fix. "A quick daily wash with soap and water is usually enough to keep it healthy," explains our expert dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria, in an exclusive chat with Glam. "I recommend washing the area behind the ears daily, just like the rest of your face and body. It doesn't require anything special, simply using soap and water during your regular shower is sufficient." He particularly advises that for "people who sweat a lot, wear glasses, or use hair products" — i.e. most of us, then — "consistent daily cleansing is even more important to prevent buildup, irritation, or infection."

To get into the creases, use a body wash and gently scrub the area. If you're a fan of yummy scents and clean ingredients, then check out Alo Fruits & Passion Grapefruit Guava Shower Gel. Looking for something that will gently slough off dead skin cells? Try Olay Renewing Body Wash With Retinol Serum Complex. And if you want a natural option that's good for sensitive skin, try Native Body Wash. Final tip: Make sure you're using the right body wash for your skin type.

When it comes to body wash, our goal is to recommend products that have quality ingredients, receive positive reviews, and smell delicious to a majority of reviewers. This thinking influenced all of our product recommendations, including the Alo Shower Gel. An overwhelming majority of reviewers like the scent, and also that it was gentle and hydrating on sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the Olay Body Wash boasts retinol that helps remove dead skin cells and moisturizing ingredients that leave skin feeling soft. And the Native Body Wash, which boasts 4.6 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers, contains real shea butter, and is paraben-, cruelty-, and sulfate-free. Also, these products have great design features, looking clean and elegant sitting in the shower.