Most of us don’t think much about our shower routine. We hop in, get clean, and hop out. However, you can do a few things to make your shower more efficient, less wasteful, and even more relaxing. With these shower routine do’s and don’ts, you’ll be on your way to the best shower routine ever and it doesn’t cost a fortune.
Use a Good Showerhead
Invest in a good showerhead. A good shower head can make all the difference in your shower experience. Look for one with multiple settings so you can customize your shower depending on your needs that day. If you plan on taking a long shower, opt for a low-flow showerhead to help conserve water. A low flow also helps to save energy since it takes less energy to heat the water.
Start with a cold rinse. Before you get into the hot water, take a few seconds to take a cold rinse. This wakes up your senses and increases circulation throughout your body. It also helps to reset your temperature regulator so that you can get used to the hot water without feeling too uncomfortable. A cold rinse is also good after a workout since it helps to reduce inflammation and soreness.
Use natural, gentle ingredients for soap and shampoo. Try to avoid artificial fragrances and ingredients that can be harsh on your skin and hair. Natural ingredients are often more effective and better for you in the long run. Also, consider using bar soap instead of liquid soaps, which may contain plastic micro-beads that can damage the environment. You can also use a leave-in serum for dry hair after showering to help keep your hair hydrated and healthy after exposure to hot water and steam.
Take your time. When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to skimp on showering, but when you take your time, it helps you relax and enjoy the process. Try setting aside a few minutes for relaxation before or after washing. You can use this time to practice deep breathing, enjoy the heat and steam, or just let your mind wander. And sometimes, great ideas come when we’re in the shower!
Exfoliate once a week. Exfoliating helps eliminate dead skin cells, which can help improve the look and feel of your skin. Just be sure not to exfoliate too often, as that can damage your skin. It could be tempting to exfoliate daily, but your skin needs time to recover. Frequent exfoliation may lead to breakouts, dryness, and irritation.
Shave at the end of your shower. Shaving while your pores are open from the steam will help prevent nicks and razor burns. It will also help soften the hair and make it easier to shave. Just be sure to use a good-quality razor with fresh blades to get a close, clean shave. Use a moisturizing shave cream or soap to help keep your skin hydrated and prevent irritation.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Spend too much time in the shower. As mentioned, try not to overdo it when it comes to your shower routine. Spending more than 10-15 minutes in the shower can be wasteful regarding water and energy, not to mention it can dry out your skin. Make sure that before you get into the shower, you have a plan of what needs to be done so that you only spend what is necessary.
Use water that’s too hot. Hot water can strip away natural oils from your skin and hair, leaving them dry and irritated. Try keeping the water at a lukewarm temperature to preserve your natural oils and keep your skin healthy. If you need extra heat, try a very short blast of hot water at the end to help relax your muscles.
Skip conditioning or moisturizing. It’s easy to forget about conditioning or moisturizing after showering. Still, it’s important to keep your skin and hair looking and feeling healthy. Try using a moisturizing body lotion or cream right after showering. For your hair, use a leave-in conditioner with natural ingredients to help keep it hydrated and smooth.
Leave the water running while you lather up. Those precious seconds add up, so turn off the water while washing your hair or scrubbing your body. You can turn it back on when you’re ready to rinse off. This is a great way to conserve water and save energy. You will also enjoy the clean, crisp scent of the soap or shampoo better when you turn off the water.
Be a germaphobe. It may sound counterintuitive, but exposure to some germs is good for us-it helps us build immunity to bacteria and viruses. So don’t go overboard trying to disinfect everything in sight; focus on cleaning yourself and letting nature take care of the rest.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your shower feel luxurious! Following these simple tips can turn your everyday shower into something special. So go ahead and indulge yourself-you deserve it!
I never push myself to do a cold rinse first, but I think this is a great tip to make the most of your shower. Thank you for sharing x