The Guide for the Perfect Shower 

You’ve been taking them your entire life – so it’s pretty safe to say that you’ve mastered the art of showering. You turn on the water, rinse, lather, and you’re done – it’s the perfect shower! There shouldn’t be much to it, right? Well, that’s where you might be slightly wrong. 

Since we’re here to elevate, nourish and achieve the best possible skincare regimen, you should know that showering has certain rules to it when it comes to your skin. Plus, there are simple things you can do to make sure that your showers up your skincare game and boost your skin’s youthfulness and general appearance. Let’s dive into our guide, lather, since and repeat! 

Some Like it Hot 

The temperature of your shower water is a personal thing. Some like it steaming while others prefer a cooler temperature. Of course, this could also vary according to season. However, according to researchers, neither are good for your body. Hot water can inflame your skin, lead to itching and irritation. It can harm the natural oils of your body and as a result dry your skin out and even cause peeling. Cold water, on the other hand, is great for treating inflammation and swalloness because it shrinks the pores. Yet, since we’re trying to achieve better skin health results, cold water isn’t the way to go either. 

As most things in life, balance is key. A temperature slightly above lukewarm water should do the trick. The warmth will stimulate your blood circulation (which is important for healthier and shinier facial skin) while protecting your natural oil secretion. Furthermore, lukewarm water helps opening pores and cleansing whicheven bacteria and other impurities you may have on your skin. 

It’s important to note that your time in the shower should also be rather short. While taking long steamy showers can be great after a tiring workday, they’re highly unrecommended. Aside from the environmental concern (which is substantial) long and hot showers can inflame existing skin conditions and suck the skin dry of its natural nutrients. 

The warmth will stimulate your blood circulation

Time for a Soap Down 

This is yet another aspect of the perfect shower that seems pretty explicit; you soap your body, then wash the soap off. But the question is, what kind of soap do you use? Is it good for your skin type? Plus, do you soap your face in the shower with the same soap you use for your entire body? 

Well, as for the type of soap you should use, avoid anything with harsh chemicals or dyes. These soaps can not only irritate acne-prone skin, but sometimes, even induce allergic reactions and other severe skin conditions. Researchers recommend choosing a soap with natural ingredients, and reading closely the product’s label. More importantly, after you’ve used the soap once, wait to see how your skin responds to it. If your skin is itchy or dry, then perhaps this isn’t the right soap for you. The perfect bar of soap would leave your skin replenished and relieved. 

As for your facial skin, it undoubtedly requires a soap that uniquely fits its needs. The skin of your face is exposed to the sun and dirt on a daily basis, it might be nicked or bruised by shaving, it’s also extremely sensitive, especially around your eyes and mouth. Those are just some of the reasons why you should be using a facial wash. Such washes, or cleansers, are specifically designed for sensitive facial skin, remove bacteria accumulated throughout the day and soothe the skin. 

Is your soap good for your skin type?

Towel Down After Your Perfect Shower

Once you’ve successfully followed the previous tips and enjoyed your shower, it’s time to dry off. The towel’s cleanliness is crucial when it comes to your skin’s health. The Cleaning Institute recommends hanging towels after use and waiting until completely dry to reuse. Furthermore, it is strongly advised that you wash your towels quite frequently, approximately after 3-5 uses. That being said, if you smell an unpleasant odor coming from your towel prior to the fifth use, don’t wait – this often points at bacteria and different germs. In any case, it’s always a good idea to clean washcloths if they start to smell bad. 

If your towel is clean and dry, you’re good to go. However, there are two things you should keep in mind. First, avoid rubbing or scrubbing your body after the perfect shower. Remember, if you’ve showered with lukewarm water, your skin is now soothed and your pores have been opened up and cleansed. If you rub your skin dry, you might irritate your skin and cause inflammation. Second, if possible, use different towels for your face and body. Though you’ve just stepped out of the shower and you’re probably clean, you wouldn’t want to dry your face with the same towel that just dried your legs… right? Simply keep a smaller towel for your face, rinse it regularly and – problem solved! 

A clean towel is crucial when for your skin’s health

The Art of Showering 

Though showering is a common and routine activity, by following these tips, you can quickly turn it into an effective aspect of your skincare regimen. The trick is balance. Make sure that your water is at the right temperature, that your soap soothes your skin rather than irritates it, and that your towels are as clean as possible. Happy showering…!