Do you really know? Should I be cleaning my belly button?
Oct 3, 2025
Belly buttons might be more fascinating than you think! They can be among the dirtiest spots on our bodies, gathering dead skin cells and bacteria. Intrigued by the science behind their formation? Learn about the umbilical cord and why some have innies while others have outies. Discover how to keep this often-overlooked area clean and why some smells might signal trouble. Plus, tips on gentle cleaning to protect your skin's health are also covered. Get ready to rethink your shower routine!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Belly Button Is A Microbial Hotspot
- The belly button is commonly overlooked yet accumulates dead skin, fibers, soap residue and sweat.
- This creates a microbe-rich environment hosting over sixty species of fungi, yeasts and bacteria.
How Your Belly Button Forms
- The belly button forms when the umbilical stump falls off after birth, leaving either an outie or an innie.
- Innies (and hairy men's navels) are more likely to trap dirt and impurities.
Weekly Gentle Cleaning Routine
- Clean your belly button gently once a week using mild soap on a cotton swab or fingertip, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Drying is essential to prevent moisture-driven growth of bacteria and fungi.