Most of us shower on autopilot, reaching for the same products and following the same sequence of steps every time. But maybe it's time to rethink how we're washing up. Because believe it or not, there's a wrong way and a right way to shower. If one overly hot bath can leave us with dry, irritated skin, just imagine what years of daily showering could do! Luckily, all it takes is a few easy tweaks to get back on track towards healthy, balanced, and glowing skin from head to toe. Keep reading for the best steps to follow the next time you hop in the shower.
Shower Tips
Showering 101: How to Address Your Skin Issues From the Bathroom
Jul 18 2019
by Stephanie Nguyen
advertiser content from AVEENO®
There's a chance your indulgent showers are causing your irritated skin, not curing it. We've partnered with AVEENO® to bring you the must-know tips and products for taking a proper shower.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers
A long, hot shower is a true luxury and one you probably like to indulge in more often than not (we're guilty, too). We hate to break it to you, but it's doing more harm than good. Exposing your skin to high temperatures for an extended period of time can seriously dry out your skin and strip it of its natural oils. The sweet spot is a five-to-10 minute shower in lukewarm water. You'll pass the test if your skin isn't red by the time you step out!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd
Shampoo First
We all have different preferences for how and when we like to lather up, but it's actually better to wash your hair before you wash your body. Why? Shampoos tend to be harsher and more drying than body wash, so cleaning from top to bottom will allow you to properly rinse away any leftover shampoo residue still clinging to your skin with your body wash. And if you like to shave in the shower, save that for last. By that point, your skin has softened and your pores are open, making it easier to get a close shave.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Find the Right Body Wash For You
Once you've finished shampooing, follow up with a body wash. But not any body wash will do if you suffer from very dry, irritable skin. Look for one that provides a truly nourishing experience with real skincare benefits, like the AVEENO® Skin Relief Moisturising Body Wash. This formula skips potentially irritating ingredients like dyes and fragrances, and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Complete your shower routine by combining it with a corresponding body moisturiser, like the AVEENO® Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion. To lock in moisture and further protect dry, sensitive, and irritable skin, apply the moisturiser within minutes of leaving the shower after you've patted dry with a towel, but while your skin is still damp and your pores are still open. Both of these products are formulated with prebiotic oat. They soothe very dry skin and help keep your microbiome (the healthy bacteria that lives on the surface of your skin) balanced.
Image Source: AVEENO®
Trade an Abrasive Loofah For a Gentle Flannel
Loofahs are common shower aids, but they can be overly harsh on your skin, not to mention a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, opt for a flannel, which still gently exfoliates your skin and is much easier to clean.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
Wash Your Face at the Sink
You'd think that washing your body in the shower should include washing your face too, right? Wrong. One of the most common misconceptions about showering is that you can also cleanse your face while you're at it. But often, the water temperature and pressure are too harsh for delicate facial skin. If possible, it's best to cleanse your face separately at the sink, either before or after your shower. If you must wash your face in the shower, don't turn your face directly into the stream of water. Instead, use your hands to splash water on your face.
Image Source: Shutterstock