Hair routine? Check. Fitness routine? Got it. Makeup? Done. But the real question is, how’s your shower routine? In addition to being a fantastic way to relax and unwind, showers help rid the skin of bacteria that could cause irritations, rashes, and other skin issues. They’re also a key ingredient to get glowing, radiant skin, with people from all over applying various approaches and techniques to achieve that sought-after glow – read more for skincare tips from around the world.
So, how can you enhance your shower routine steps to get the most benefits for your skin? Here are some simple tips that can make all the difference when it comes to dull and dry versus dewy and healthy. Take a look:
Pre-shower
First thing’s first, prepping the skin before your shower. Before you actually get in the shower, it’s important to remove any makeup or dirt you have on your face with a gentle cleanser. You can use micellar water or any cleansing oil that you find works best at cleaning the dirt and buildup off your face.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to prioritize haircare in your shower routine steps! You can run a brush through your hair before hopping into the shower to help minimize the knots post-shower and prevent breakage.
While you’re in the shower
Now for the main event. The first step for when you’re actually in the shower is to check the temperature of the water. While this might be difficult for those of you who prefer nice steam sessions, it’s really important to avoid super hot showers. The truth is that hot water actually strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry skin. So by sticking to lukewarm or just slightly warm water, you can still enjoy a nice relaxing shower while protecting your beautiful skin.
Pro tip for the brave among you: If you can stand it, there are actually tons of benefits from taking a cold shower. While hot water can irritate and dry out the skin, cold water is known to improve circulation, tighten the pores, reduce redness, and can give your skin an overall smoother, softer look and feel. Plus, there’s no better way to wake yourself up than with a cold shower. If this is something you’re interested in trying, start with lowering the water temperature just at the end of your shower. Even just a few moments of cold water can do wonders!
Next, when it’s time for you to wash your body, try sticking to this order: exfoliating, shaving, washing the body. Exfoliating just a few times a week with a gentle scrub before you shave is key to preventing ingrown hairs and dead skin build up. When you go to shave, use a good shaving cream to help prevent any skin irritation or razor burn. And finally, wash your body with a gentle soap, starting from the neck and shoulders and working your way down – this will help make sure that no soap is left over!
Important note: If you usually use a loofah or a sponge to wash your body, consider switching to a washcloth or simply using your hands. Loofahs and sponges are known to harbor bacteria, yeast, mold, and other germs, which can enter your pores or an open cut and lead to infections.
The last step of your shower should be your face cleanser so that you remove any soap, oil, or dirt that may still be there. While it may take some trial and error, be sure that you use the right product for your unique skin care needs.
For those of you with skin prone to dryness, learn more on this article about ways you can cleanse your skin during the harsh colder months.
Post-shower
You may have finished your shower, but your routine for healthy skin isn’t over yet! The cherry on top of your shower routine steps? Moisturizing! This is a super important step to help lock in all the moisture after your shower.
Start by gently dry patting your body with a towel to remove excess water. Try to avoid scrubbing so that you don’t irritate your skin. Once you’re dry, lather up your body with a gentle lotion. You can do this while the skin is still damp so that you lock in as much moisture as possible! Your skin will thank you for this later, especially during the dry winter months.
And of course, don’t forget to follow through with your daily skincare routine for your face! You may also want to consider giving your skin some extra love with a moisturizing serum or even a detoxifying face mask for an at-home spa evening. Simply apply your face mask right after you shower while your pores are still open, rinse your mask, and then follow your usual skincare routine.
If you haven’t found a skincare regime that works for you quite yet, don’t worry! Feel free to check out this guide for more information on how to find a routine that’s just right.
Reap the benefits of a good shower routine for healthy skin
Healthy skin really does begin in the shower. And as you now know, it only takes a few simple changes and additions to your shower routine to maximize the benefits for your skin. The key is to be gentle with your skin, find the right products for your unique needs, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Put these tips into practice and see for yourself what a difference they can make for dewy, glowing skin.
