​Toilet paper doesn’t actually help in fighting germs present on the toilet. It absorbs moisture, which makes it a good place for microbes to reproduce.

The human skin, on the other hand, can fight off microbes better than toilet paper. Just make sure that the seat is dry, and you don’t have any open wounds on your hips and buttocks. If you’re still unsure, sanitize the seat first or do your business while in a squatting position.

​Using too much detergent in your laundry can actually trap stains and prevent them from washing away. This is because the volume of suds that are produced by the detergent can create a cushion for the dirt. For ideal results, it’s better to read the recommended volume found on the detergent’s bottle.

​Before you flush, make sure that the lid is lowered, as clean water gets mixed with contaminated water. Doing so will prevent the water in the toilet from splashing up onto the surrounding areas.

​Not regularly washing your sponges is a sure way to spread bacteria onto your dishes and kitchen utensils. To do so, submerge them in boiling water for 5 minutes. You can also try soaking the sponge in water before heating it up in a microwave for a minute.

​Your fridge can be a breeding ground for germs if the food inside is not properly cleaned beforehand. Ensure food packaging is cleaned or replaced before you put it inside. Meats should be separated from other food groups so that the microbes don’t spread.

​Part of basic hygiene is to avoid spreading bacteria in the body. That’s why it is recommended to avoid touching your face with your hands, especially the eyes and nose. If you ever feel the need to do so, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water first.

​According to experts, charging your phone for a long time can make its battery age faster. The ideal battery capacity for a phone is between 30% and 50%. If you’re still worried that your phone might die, you can always use a portable charger to keep it charged throughout the day.

​If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a whole in your spaghetti spoon or ladle, the answer is it’s used for measuring out a perfect single serving of spaghetti. All you have to do is slide the dried spaghetti through the hole, and once it’s filled, you get just the right amount of spaghetti for one person.

​Too much of a good thing can be bad. A recent study showed that brushing your teeth too many times per day for less than 2 minutes can increase the chances of damage. It’s important to maintain a consistent brushing routine of twice a day for a period of 2-4 minutes. It is also recommended to avoid abrasive toothpaste or toothbrushes that have hard bristles.

​While the fridge door seems like the ideal shelf for storing milk and eggs, it’s actually not the best place for it. This is because the fridge door shelves are warmer due to fluctuating temperatures whenever you open and close the fridge. This means that when storing foods prone to spoilage, like eggs, they should be placed on the bottom shelf and toward the back where it’s cooler.

​It’s better to remove your sandals at the beach or by the pool, since the sun might heat them, causing you to burn your feet when you put them back on. Turning them upside down prevents them from absorbing too much heat from the sun and makes them more comfortable to wear afterward.

​First, wash and dry the tip of the finger. Then pull apart the outside packaging and pull out the bandage, leaving the plastic strips on the dressing that covers the glue.

Cut a slit down the middle of each sticky end in the direction of its length. Then take the thin part at the top of the adhesive end and put it over your fingernail. Next, do the same thing on the other side of the bandage so that the top strips cross your fingernail in an “X” shape.

​If you need to do some repairs while lying on your back in a quick step, you can use an ironing board as a backrest to protect yourself from getting hurt.

​Safety pins are great for untying knots because they have sharp points.

To do this, open the safety pins and slide the ends through the middle of each string on each side of the knot. This is where you would generally pull the strings apart with your fingers. Close the safety pins, then remove and wiggle them until the knot loosens. You can finish untying them with your fingers.

​You never know who may be watching you use an ATM or waiting to steal money from you. That’s why it’s always better to withdraw money from the ATM during the day rather than at night, since other people will likely be around, and it’s safer in an emergency.

​There is a good chance you’ve heard of someone stealing a bag while the victim was waiting in line in a public place. Keeping your bag or backpack over the front of your body is the best way to keep it safe from robbers and pickpockets.

​When you park your car in the sun, the dashboard and steering wheel are in direct sunlight. This can cause damage to the dash and steering wheel. They could even break and lose their shine because of the heat. That’s why it’s best to turn the steering wheel upside down, so it doesn’t get too much sun.

​Thieves are more likely to steal from people with loose bags, shoulder bags, or who don’t keep their purses in their hands the whole time. And this can all be avoided by wearing a crossbody bag, which is more difficult to remove — just always keep a hand on the bag. Be sure to carry your bag over the front of your body.

​Acne around your mouth can occur if the skin in this area is irritated or frequently touched, like, by a cell phone or some other objects like helmet straps or musical instruments. Different cosmetics and facial products might also be the cause. As well as hormones and genetics.

First of all, if it appears frequently, see a dermatologist who will find a proper treatment that will work for you. But in any case, it’s always better to prevent it rather than to cure it. So make cleaning your skin with a gentle or mild cleanser twice a day a routine. Use makeup labeled as “non-comedogenic” (non-pore-clogging) and oil-free products, and please avoid touching your face.

​Our nose is one of the most common areas of the face to develop acne. It’s because its pores are typically larger, which makes it easier for dirt and bacteria to clog them up. What’s more, the skin here is also oilier and consequently more vulnerable to acne.

Nose acne can be triggered by diet, stress, and certain medications. Sometimes it can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. But the most common cause is poor hygiene. So it’s always good to add some Tea Tree Oil to your routine, which is a very gentle and effective treatment against acne, or sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur which will prevent bacteria on the skin from multiplying. In very severe cases, consult a dermatologist.

​The significant factor here is the same — an increase in oil production on your skin. But sometimes, it’s hard to figure out why it happens. Especially if you don’t take certain medications, and it’s not hormones or stress. It is interesting to know that our hair can be the source of forehead acne.

If you don’t wash it often enough or if your hair is oily, the oil can get on your forehead and clog its pores. Different pomades, gels, and waxes also may be the cause as they often contain cocoa butter or coconut oil and can leave your skin extra oily. A gentle cleanser can solve this problem. If it doesn’t help, try to avoid any oily hair products and just wash your hair more often.

​If you think that acne, in general, may be hormonal, there’s good news for you: it’s not all like that. When certain hormone levels change, it can lead to increased androgens — the common contributing factor to adult acne. But there are some areas that are true indicators of hormonal fluctuations, and they include our jaws and neck.

It’s completely okay if fluctuations happen during menstrual cycles. It can also be caused by taking medications like birth control. In severe cases, it may be a medical condition, but most of the time a non-comedogenic cleanser, moisturizer, and acne treatment can solve the issue. Just like basic sun safety and proper sunscreen use.

​Cheek acne is also a very common problem, especially now that we all have cell phones. Yes, not just touching your face, but even a mere phone conversation can cause some pimples to appear in this area. Phones are great at spreading bacteria. As well as dirty pillowcases and sheets and other objects that come into contact with your skin.

Cheek acne may be hormonal. But it is way more possible that it’s being caused by certain lifestyle habits. So this time, everything can be solved by a few simple changes. Like wiping down your phone before each use and not taking it to any germy places like the bathroom. Changing pillowcases and sheets every week is also a good idea, just like washing your hands regularly.

​Back acne can be a mere allergy to sunscreen, moisturizer, body creams, massage oils, and wax. It also may be caused by our sweat, which mixes up with oil and toxins on our skin and clogs the pores. That’s why a quick shower after training is so important. And a proper washing of your back is a must.

Dirty clothes, blankets, and pillows can become a major cause of back acne as well. Clothes that are too tight are also a bad idea. They don’t allow your skin to breathe, which can cause irritation and, consequently, pimples on your back. If there is no obvious outer cause, it is better to pay attention to your diet and check to see whether you are getting sufficient nutrients. Stress could be the cause here too.

​Acne is mainly the result of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells trapped in hair follicles and clogging the pores. It leads to inflammation and, on the legs, is entirely a physical issue. It’s typically caused by some athletic equipment rubbing against your skin or clothing or undergarments that are too tight.

But be cautious. People can often confuse acne on their legs with similar conditions as folliculitis, eczema, or keratosis pilaris. So if it is itchy and painful, it’s better to consult a doctor and use a professional treatment.

​Chest acne develops for pretty much the same reasons as on our backs and legs. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, harsh laundry detergents can clog and irritate your hair follicles. So it is better to choose sulfate- and fragrance-free hypoallergenic products when planning your next washing routine.

Wearing clothing that is too tight, or that doesn’t breathe well during your athletic training also can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria in the pores of your skin. This can also happen as a result of using certain body lotions that contain pore-blocking ingredients. So make sure to look for fragrance- and oil-free versions next time. They are usually labeled as non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog pores.

​3 things play a huge role in our reaction to stress. They are cortisol, epinephrine, and oxytocin. In women who are stressed, cortisol and epinephrine go into the bloodstream and oxytocin gets released from the brain, and this promotes emotions.

In men, oxytocin is released in much smaller amounts, so fewer emotions are involved.

​Studies showed that women have a tendency to protect themselves and their loved ones when stressed. More safety for them, equals less stress. The creation and maintenance of their network of friends also works as a cure for women.

Men, who release smaller amounts of oxytocin, tend to experience a “fight or flight” response when stressed — meaning they either bottle it up and escape, or fight back.

​The main thing about these ways of bottling up stress is to keep a balance. “Self-sacrifice in relationships is how many women get stressed.”

For men, “achieving a winning performance at all costs is how many men get stressed.”

​Researchers say women are more likely than men to say they read to handle stress. Also, they prefer to connect to people and activities like spending time with friends or family.

Men are more likely to say they play sports and listen to music to help themselves feel better.
Women are more likely than men to say they eat as a way of managing stress, while men exercise because it gives them something to do.

When asked what they would need to change in order for their willpower to improve, women report more often than men that they need less fatigue, more energy, and more time.
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Men have been known to say they need less encouragement from friends or family, but need more money.

​Vitamin D is essential for the skin cells that process keratin, the protein that is needed for our hair and nails to grow. So, when there’s not enough, keratin isn’t produced at the levels needed and our hair suffers. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is often linked with alopecia and hair thinning in both men and women. There have been many studies and researches that have concluded with the same results, which means that changes in our diet are necessary.

​This vitamin plays a very important role in having successful sleeping patterns. Studies have shown that having a deficiency in it could lead to insomnia, disrupted sleep, less restorative sleep, and fewer sleeping hours. In some people, it can even lead to sleep apnea, where one’s breathing isn’t regulated and interrupts their sleep all night long.

​One of the shields your body and immune system can have as a defense to illnesses and viruses is vitamin D. So, when your body lacks this vitamin, it’s a lot easier for you to contract viruses and get sick often. Colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia can happen a lot easier when vitamin D is missing. In other words, this vitamin is very important for your respiratory system and maintaining its health.

​Studies have showcased how vitamin D deficiency increases the chances of having rheumatoid arthritis later in age. This is because it helps maintain the bone mass in our bodies by assisting with the absorption of calcium. Another scientific review showed that people who suffered from chronic muscle pain and other bone-related problems tended to have lower vitamin D levels.

​Tiredness can have many causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, and vitamin D deficiency. One study, that 480 people with this deficiency took part in, showed that they all experienced fatigue. This is because weaker bones and muscles can cause your whole body to feel more tired. Fixing your diet and starting to take supplements can be successful in bringing back the lost energy.

​It’s known that people with diabetes have trouble healing their wounds, but if you don’t suffer from that, then maybe you have a vitamin D deficiency. It’s been shown that this vitamin can regulate the growth factors of new tissue. Also, in one study, it was shown that people with leg ulcers were more likely to suffer from this deficiency. In more straightforward cases, you might notice that minor wounds take an abnormally long time to heal, which could mean you are deficient.

​Having a flaky scalp can be a common problem, and paired with hair loss, this might be a sign of a lack of important vitamins and nutrients. Low levels of zinc, B2, B3, B6, and B7 vitamins, as well as iron, can be the cause of this everyday issue.

​Developing wrinkles on our bodies is a normal, healthy sign of aging, and we usually get pruney fingers when we stay in water for a long period of time. But when our hands start to look more wrinkled and lose elasticity faster than other body parts, it might be your body sending you a warning. Wrinkles on your fingers without any exposure to water can mean dehydration, bad blood circulation, or a problem with your thyroid.

​A healthy tongue usually has a pinkish color. If you notice white patches appear on your tongue, it might be a sign of oral thrush, which is very common among people who have diabetes. The patches could also be a sign of inadequate oral care, so upping your oral hygiene game could help the issue.

​Usually, red and itchy skin is a sign of eczema, but sometimes rashes, along with a fever, can also be caused by infections or touching certain plants. Even if they don’t look very serious, the spots can get infected, so it’s recommended to have them checked by a medical professional.

​Swollen ankles are a common sign of pregnancy, but if you are not expecting a child, they can mean bad blood circulation, heart problems, or underactive thyroid glands. A less serious cause of this symptom is eating too much salt, which can lead to water retention.

​This can lead to a burning sensation, inflammation, and damage to the eyes. The dryness might be caused by aging or certain medications, but it could also be a sign of Sjogren’s syndrome. Sjogren’s is often accompanied by dry mouth, and it’s a disorder of the immune system.

​Some minor bloating after a meal is typically not cause for concern, but it might also be a sign of food sensitivity. Eating foods you’re allergic to (even if you don’t know it) causes a lot of gas to be released in your stomach. The most common foods that cause this are wheat and gluten.

​If you always find bruises in random places and don’t remember knocking into anything, it might be a good idea to turn to your doctor. Random and easy bruising could mean a simple vitamin deficiency, but it can also be a sign of something more serious, like a blood clotting disease.

​Keeping your body hydrated and drinking plenty of water is always important, but always feeling thirsty is a typical symptom of prediabetes. Other common symptoms are fatigue and frequent urination, which is a consequence of constant thirstiness.

​Muscle twitching can have many causes, including physical activity, stress, dehydration and not getting enough sleep. In more serious cases, it could mean a neurological disorder or kidney disease.

​While annoying for your partner, snoring is often harmless for your body. Less frequently, it might be a sign of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). Having OSA needs medical attention, and your doctor might prescribe you a medical device that helps you sleep and breathe better during the night.

​Your toes bend excessively to keep flip-flops on and are more exposed to fungal infections. Besides, it’s not uncommon to get shin splints and muscle pain. Heel, back, and knee pain are also familiar to flip-flop lovers. Another common issue is that over-gripping at the toe joint can worsen existing bunions.

​Use mouthwash only after eating or before brushing your teeth. When you rinse your teeth with it, you rinse off the high concentration fluoride for a low concentration fluoride, which attracts microbes. Eventually, this habit will lead to tooth decay.

​Tight jeans reduce blood flow and basically leave your muscles gasping for more oxygen. Skinny jeans also lead to fungal infections like thrush. Besides, they cause more frequent urination and even bladder weakness.

​Laser printers and those that use printer toner overall release extremely small particles that can cause cardiovascular or respiratory damage when you’re near them. One study carried out on rats showed that a 21-day exposure to toner particles disturbed their metabolism, immune response, and other biological processes.

​Bedtime reading sounds like a relaxing thing to do, yet, it’s actually quite harmful. It puts a lot of strain on the eyes. The position isn’t suitable since the reading distance should be about 15 inches with an angle of 60 degrees.

When you read lying down, your eyes have to focus upward and maintain an uncomfortable angle for a long time. This causes discomfort, blurred vision, and headaches.

​Most fresheners contain harmful chemicals that neutralize odors. They are also potential allergens and environmental toxins. The frequent use of artificial fragrances can cause lung damage and asthma. It’s also advisable to stay away from them since the air freshener industry is hardly controlled, and we don’t know if these products are safe for us.

​The first reason is hygiene — resting your face in your not-so-clean hand can cause acne and spread germs. The second reason — you’re maintaining a bad sitting posture. You might not notice that, since supporting your head makes it more comfortable to sit for longer periods of time. So, your spine adapts to the incorrect position and, as a result, your posture worsens.

​Pointy-toed shoes look great on the outside, but ruin your feet on the inside. Due to the unnatural shape of the toe, you get a bunch of side effects: hammertoes, corns, bunions, and calluses. The shoes also cause nerve inflammation, mostly between the third and the fourth toes. Therapy, injections, or, in grave cases, surgery are used to treat the consequences.

​It can start off with mild itchiness on the inner canal of your ear, and it can become more severe as the infection stays untreated.

​It can start off with some mild redness on the inner ear canal. But, if it progresses, the redness can become more noticeable not only on the inside but also on the outside of the ear.

​At first, you might feel a general pain in your ear — especially after pulling the earlobe or pushing the tragus of the ear. After a while, you might start feeling like your ear is full of something. In more severe cases, the pain transfers to your face, neck, or the side of your head.

​Like with the other symptoms, the odorless fluid might be very little at first, but as the infection continues to grow, it can start to become excessive.

​This symptom might not exist in mild cases, but in more serious ones, your hearing might be affected. You might feel like you can’t hear things as well as before, or you could sense a non-stop ringing deep inside your ear.

​If the infection is left untreated, it can cause your lymph nodes to swell visibly. This can cause you to have a fever, since your entire ear canal is probably completely blocked.

​Cotton swabs may be able to clear the walls of your ears, but they also push the earwax even deeper. If you notice that using them causes you discomfort, you should stop using them altogether. Also, you may want to avoid using foreign objects, like keys, hairpins, or paper clips to scratch your ears. They can also push the earwax deeper, irritate the skin, and even break it.

​Some people are more susceptible to ear infections, and that’s why you may want to take some measures if you are one of them. You can start by wearing a swimming cap to prevent water from getting into your ears. You might also want to try putting in earplugs if they feel comfortable in your ears. You can always ask your doctor or physician about any other precautions that you can take.

​After getting out of the water, make sure that you dry your ears as much as possible by tilting your ears and cleaning them with a towel. By tilting your head and pulling the earlobe in different directions, you will help the water escape safely from your ears. If you still feel like there’s water in your ear after you’ve gotten home, you can use a blow-dryer to dry them. Make sure you put it on low speed and low heat.

​The first disposable pads were generally produced as a cotton wool rectangle covered with an absorbent liner. The ends were extended in the front and back so as to fit through loops in a special girdle or belt worn beneath undergarments. The pads were not very convenient because of slipping forward or backward.

​The prototype of modern bras was discovered by researchers in an Austrian castle and is approximately 600 years old. The evolution of the bra is a long process; you can find many vintage illustrations of how women supported their breasts. For example, one of these pictures illustrates a ribbon of fabric wrapped around the chest and buttoned.

Later on, when corsets became unfashionable, New Yorker Marie Tucek invented a “breast supporter,” which was a modification of the corset. It was made of a metal plate and cardboard, shaped to fit against the torso under the breasts. The base was covered with silk or another type of cloth and extended above the plate to form a pocket for each breast curved around the torso, ending near the armpits.

​The first lipstick was possibly made about 5,000 years ago by ancient Sumerian and Indus Valley men and women. They crushed gemstones and used them to decorate the lips and areas around the eyes. Egyptians, like Cleopatra, for example, crushed bugs to add red to their lips.

The first mascara can be documented in Ancient Egypt. It was a substance called kohl that was used to darken eyelashes, eyelids, and eyebrows to ward off evil spirits by both men and women.
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The substance was made of galena, malachite, charcoal or soot, and saliva.

​The hair curling method was being used as far back as 1575 BCE. Ancient Egyptians would use bronze curling tongs that would have been heated up on a fire before pieces of hair were curled around them. Electrically heated hair rollers were invented by Solomon Harper in 1930, but only during the 1960s did this styling tool become popular.

​The first evidence of the use of a corset was found in the Minoan civilization of early Crete. Since then, this item has undergone many changes — at one time, men used them to slim down their figures.

​Platformed footwear dates as far back as Ancient Egypt. At first, they were in the form of very thick-soled sandals used to indicate upper-class status. Additionally, the Persian cavalry wore high-heeled shoes. It was a kind of boot that had heels to ensure the feet stayed in the stirrups, giving the rider more security.

​Historically, stockings — or hose, as they were called — were used by men in the twelfth century. Before the sixteenth century, stockings were made of woven or sewn cloth.