You have to shower regularly. For some people, it’s a major chore that they just have to get through so they can move on with their day. For others, it’s a time of relaxation and ritual that rejuvenates them for the day or evening.
Whichever camp you fall in, the reality is that you can make the most of this time and use it to supercharge your beauty and wellness routine by following a few simple hacks.
1. Leave your face scrub in the shower
Here’s the thing - you know that you should be exfoliating regularly, but this is often easier said than done. With work, kids, exercise, and whatever else you have going on, this step is easy to skip. Then, next thing you know, your skin is dry and you’re trying to remember the last time you used a scrub or AHA.
You’re much more likely to remember and scrub 2-3 times a week if you leave your face scrub in the shower (preferably at eye level). And your skin will thank you for it. Regular exfoliation is key if you want to remove dead cells, unclog congestion, and reveal younger, fresher looking skin.
2. Use a dry brush
You can apply this tip to your body as well. While using an exfoliating product on your entire body can be a little much, you can effectively exfoliate by using a dry brush before you get in the shower. Brush all over your body in a circular, upward motion to release stuck, dead cells. Then, rinse everything off in the shower to reveal smooth, baby soft skin.
3. Banish dry skin with face and body oils
Next, use all-natural botanical face and body oils after the shower to seal in hydration. The key is to apply the oil to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in moisture for the rest of the day. Wait until you’re dry, and you’ll just find yourself with dry, oily skin (not great).
You can also use botanical oil in-shower instead of shaving cream for a closer shave. By coating your legs with oil, you’re creating a protective barrier than can help guard against razor burn, strawberry legs, and other shave-related woes. Plus, the oil itself will soften the hairs and keep the blade from tugging or pinching your skin.
What kind of oil? Well, for your body we recommend unrefined, organic oils that are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Avocado and jojoba oil, in particular, have antimicrobial effects, while coconut oil is excellent at sealing in moisture. Just do a patch test first to make sure that the particular oil you’re using doesn’t react with your skin.
For your face, we recommend an oil that’s packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids - it’ll help clear your skin, moisturize, and smooth lines without clogging pores.
4. Tackle body acne
If you deal with body acne, the shower is the most effective place to address the issue. The steam can open your pores and let any clarifying ingredients really soak in. We recommend that you apply a clay mask to the affected area before you hop in the shower and let it sit while you wash the rest of your body. Then, wash it with a clarifying cleanser that can dissolve any debris or impurities that may be left behind.
Do this twice a week and you can kiss your bacne goodbye for good.
5. Skip the loofahs and towels
First thing’s first: loofahs are notoriously disgusting, and they’re known to hold onto bacteria and dead skin that can cause acne and other major concerns.
If you absolutely have to use one, then, we recommend that you replace it every 2-3 weeks. Want to do one better? Skip the loofah altogether and keep a pile of washcloths in your bathroom. Use a new washcloth each shower and stick it in your laundry hamper after each use. It ultimately ends up costing the same, it doesn’t add much to your laundry day, and it can make a huge difference on your skin.
Next, opt for using a t-shirt or a microfiber cloth to dry your hair. A regular towel can actually create frizz and damage hair - minimizing this kind of stress can help create shinier, longer strands.