Ah, yes, once again the oft-discussed issue of the missing wash cloths --- as you can see, it?s been discussed many times over the years. These are only a few of the links to previous threads around this topic. For me, it?s never been an issue. I can manage without one for the duration of my European visit.

>where are the washcloths?<
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...&tid=62293

> Is it true we need to take wash cloths with us to London?<
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34445498

To get back to your original question, you could buy a stack of cheap washcloths at Wal-Mart and throw them away as you go along, or buy one of those special travel washcloths from a travel catalog and rinse it out with cold water and store it in a baggie. The advantage of the latter is that it dries quickly. I've tried both ways and prefer the travel cloth.

Facecloths are for washing my face. I'd never even considered using one on my body in the shower! :) Now that we have all learned each other's shower habits, here's my tip: use a firm, natural bristle body brush to brush your skin before you get into the shower. Not only does this exfoliate, but it stimulates your blood flow, both of which are very good for the skin. When you shower, you'll rinse off the dead skin cells. Use your hands only! And, make the water as cold as you can stand it. This makes for shinier hair and healthier skin. I always travel with a body brush :)

Take your own washcloths with you. If you have a K-Mart near you, they usually sell cheap washcloths which you can throw away during the trip.

Kay:
re: "Not only does this exfoliate, but it stimulates your blood flow"
This is what I use a washcloth for. On my face and body. It then goes into the laundry whereas that brush you have probably has a lot of dead skin cells on it. <front color=red>:-)

Guess you can't make a red smily face. Excuse the horns, didn't mean those to be there either.

Brushes can be washed, too :) And nothing beats a brush when it comes to skin stimulation. You should see the bristles on some of those babies. Ouch!

I hear about exfoliating and stimulating blood circulation, etc. My questions sound kind of sarcastic, but it's really made out of ignorance: Are there people who don't sluff off dead skin fast enough? I'm assuming stimulating the blood flow near the skin is good for the skin, but is that counterbalanced by the irritation that comes with exfoliating?

I not only take my own wash cloths and bed sheets, but I take my own matress and box springs as well. You just never know !

(I'm just kidding, of course.)

It can be bad for the skin to haphazardly scrub it, but brushing dry (as opposed to wet) skin with long, firm strokes won't do any damage. You have to work up to the coarser bristles. It also helps to combat cellulite :)

Bitter
You don't actually irritate your skin when exfoliating. If you reread Kay's post she explains that she uses a NATURAL brush (whereas I use a washcloth) A natural brush is gentle. Exfoliating increases blood circulation and sebrum from your sebaceous glands, all leading to moist,soft,healty skin. Also why we should brush our hair every night, that also increases blood circulation and activates the sabaceous gland. And yes, there are people who sometime don't sluff off dead skin on their scalps. It's called dandruff. Sebrum holds the dead skin cells to the scalp. The white flakes people usually associate with dandruff is usually just dry scalp or product like hair spray.

"It also helps to combat cellulite" -- In your dreams, Kay M, in your dreams.

JackOneill, I have the perfect traveling companion for you -- fussy traveler!

Interesting info. Most of the exfoliating products (soaps) with which I am familiar feel like Lava soap bars, ie. very rough, hence my take on irritation.

Well, I'd never claim that it totally prevents cellulite :( But, the theory is that stimulating blood flow towards the lymph nodes helps those glands process more lumpy fat-producing toxins out of the body. I also remember one of my old Russian ballet teachers telling (make that screaming at)us to "Brrrrrrrush da thighs, gerls! Brrrrrrush for da cellulite!" :))

I already require too much upkeep every day: take my vitamins, floss my teeth, get a half hour of cardio, take my calcium, brush my hair, do yoga, use sunscreen, do abdominal crunches yada yada yada ...I don't have <i><b>time</b></i> to brush my thighs! :-D