Here are the x-rated treatments you need to stop right now — trust me, I’m a doctor

Welcome to Ask Doctor. Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr. Zac Turner explains if it’s possible to be too clean.

QUESTION: Hi Dr. Zac, is it possible to be too clean? I really enjoy looking after my health and value cleanliness inside and out. I eat well and exercise regularly, but also really enjoy long showers, hair masks and manicures, nasal cleanses, ear candles, the works. I’ve even been known to have a colonic. It feels wonderful. Being clean is my favorite type of self care. But some of my friends think I go a little overboard with my regular colonics – they said I needed an intervention. So I want to know, what is essential and what is too much? Tell me I’m not the only one. – Bianca, 31, Gold Coast

ANSWER: Thank you so much for this great question, Bianca.

In today’s world, self-care and personal hygiene have become major priorities for many, with an endless array of trends promising everything from glowing skin to detoxified insides.

But while maintaining good hygiene is undeniably important, the line between being healthy and going overboard can sometimes be blurry.

With some new and unusual practices becoming more mainstream, it’s easy to wonder: where do we draw the line between beneficial and excessive?

Let’s take a closer look at the growing hygiene fads, explore their potential risks, and help you figure out which practices are truly worth your time – and which might be pushing your body to the limit.

The basics: How clean is clean enough?

Let’s start with the essentials.

You’ve heard it a thousand times before: wash your hands, brush your teeth, have a shower, stay fresh. And of course, you know the drill – good hygiene keeps bacteria, viruses and body odor at bay.

A daily routine of showering, teeth brushing and hand washing is your first line of defense against the nasties lurking in the world.

Plus, a good routine can do wonders for your mental health. You feel fresh, you feel good and your skin isn’t playing up (unless you forgot your sunscreen during a four-hour beach stint – don’t lie, we’ve all been there).

But here’s the thing, folks: just because you’ve got your hygiene routine down pat, doesn’t mean you should go full throttle on every trend that pops up.

Some of these “health fads” could be more damaging than beneficial.

The downside of overdoing it: Hygiene gone wild

You might not be aware, but going overboard with your hygiene practices could be messing with your skin, your body and maybe even your friends’ sanity (but that’s a whole other story).

Let’s look at some of the more out-there practices that are popping up.

Buckle in.

Colonic irrigation: The great colon cleanse

First up – colonics.

Ah, the old “I need to detox my entire system” routine.

Colonics (or enemas or colon hydrotherapy) are marketed as a way to rid your body of toxins, and while some people swear by them, the science isn’t backing them up.

A 2016 review found that these water-based cleanses don’t do much other than give you a risk of dehydration, infections and bowel perforations (yes, that’s as bad as it sounds).

Think of it like this: your colon is perfectly capable of cleaning itself. It’s been doing it for centuries. No need to “help” it along, unless you’re dealing with some serious digestive issues, which are best handled by a professional, not a quick waterboard treatment.

Nasal cleaning: Clear nose, clear life?

Next up – nasal irrigation.

Neti pots and saline sprays are all the rage, especially for anyone with chronic sinus issues. And here’s the thing – these tools actually do work if used properly.

They help clear out mucus and allergens, and studies support their effectiveness (2020 Cochrane review).

But – and it’s a big but – using tap water instead of sterile water can lead to a potentially deadly infection. So, before you go shoving a pot up your nose like a mad scientist, remember to use clean water.

Trust me, your sinuses will thank you.

Ear candling: A hot mess

Oh, ear candling.

You’ve seen the pictures: people lighting a long, waxy candle in their ears, hoping to “draw out” earwax.

It sounds like something you’d do after a few too many drinks on a Saturday night.

But don’t be fooled – ear candling is not only largely ineffective (trust me, no wax is coming out of your ear canal), but it can also lead to burns, perforated eardrums and other nasty injuries.

Your ears are doing just fine on their own, folks. Let them do their job.

But for some extra TLC, a gentle rinse under the shower tap or an ear syringe will do the trick.

Vaginal steaming: If Gwyneth Paltrow’s doing it – should you?

Now, let’s talk about Gwyneth Paltrow’s famous vaginal steaming.

It’s exactly what it sounds like – sitting on a bowl of steaming herbs to “cleanse” your vagina. Now, maybe for some, that might sound relaxing – but here’s the thing: the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.

It doesn’t need to be steamed or pampered. In fact, this practice can actually cause burns, irritations and disrupt your delicate balance of vaginal bacteria.

So, while your spa day might sound divine, maybe leave this one out of the itinerary. The vagina knows what it’s doing.

Oil pulling: Mouthwash on steroids?

Oil pulling is another trend that’s blowing up.

The idea is simple: swish coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes to remove toxins and improve oral health.

It sounds like something a wellness guru might recommend, and there’s some evidence that it can reduce bad bacteria in your mouth.

But let’s be clear – it does not replace brushing and flossing. Unlike a toothbrush, oil pulling doesn’t physically remove plaque.

So, while swishing some coconut oil might feel fancy, it’s not a replacement for your toothbrush, people.

Dry brushing: Exfoliate like a warrior

Dry brushing is another popular practice where you use a stiff brush to exfoliate your skin before a shower.

It’s said to improve circulation, remove dead skin cells and boost lymphatic drainage.

While a bit of dry brushing won’t hurt, and might even help with circulation, it’s not the miracle cure some influencers make it out to be.

If you’ve got sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, you might want to give it a pass. Sometimes, gentle is better.

Crystal face masks: Is your skin really feeling the love?

Yes, you read that right. The idea is that certain quartzes (think rose quartz, amethyst, etc) can help with healing and balance.

While I’m all for feeling Zen, let’s be honest – there’s no real science behind the idea that crystals can do much more than make your bathroom counter look mystical.

But hey, if it brings you joy, who am I to say no?

So while it’s important to stay informed, knowing when to say “thanks but no thanks” is key. And hey, if you’re really feeling that crystal face mask vibe, go ahead.

Just maybe don’t replace it with a colon cleanse next time.

Your gut – and your friends – will thank you.

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Dr. Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventive health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.