Everyone has one of those puffy mesh balls in their shower. Maybe that's what you call it. Or maybe you refer to it as a loofah. Or an exfoliator. Whatever the proper name is, one thing is for sure: you really shouldn't be using it.

Why, you ask? Isn't it great for my skin? Doesn't it get those dead skin cells off, so I can apply tanning lotion or moisturizer after my shower?

Yes, that's exactly what it does. And that's exactly why you shouldn't be using it.

Because you're literally scrubbing off the dead skin cells and then rubbing them all over yourself.

The Knight Dermatology Institute's Matthew Knight tells The New York Post you're much better off without them.

"You put them in this environment in the shower that’s warm and moist and gross, and it’s a setup for bacteria, yeast and mold to grow in the puff," he says.

If you really love your puff, scientists recommend thoroughly washing it after you're done, and letting it dry away from the moist environment of the shower.

They also say you should replace it every few weeks.

Sheesh. Sounds like a lot of effort for something that doesn't even clean you.