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Your shower is where you get energized, wash off the day’s stress, and unwind after a long day, but many people don’t know how to shower correctly.
In fact, when it comes to your shower routine, there’s a lot more to it than “washing and rinsing off”.
In order to get glowing skin, try to incorporate the following steps for a spa-like shower routine.
This will allow you to relax and rejuvenate after a long day.
What To Do Before Your Shower
Before you just hop in the shower, there are a few things you can do beforehand to make the experience more luxurious as well as get the most out of your routine.
1. Set The Scene For Your Luxury Shower Routine
Setting the scene for a spa-like shower routine can involve several steps to create a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere. Some ideas for setting the scene include:
-Lighting: Dim or soften the lighting in your bathroom to create a relaxing ambiance. You can use candles for an aromatherapy element as well.
-Music: We all listen to music when we are in the shower, but instead of just banging out our favorite hits, try and play some calm soothing music to really ease your mind.
-Aromatherapy: Use essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint, to create a spa-like aroma. You can use a diffuser, or an aromatherapy showerhead, or add a few drops of oil to a washcloth and place it on the shower floor. You can also add eucalyptus to your shower head for a more natural option.
-Invest In a Shower Filter: A shower filter is a device that attaches to the showerhead and filters the water before it comes out of the showerhead. The purpose of a shower filter is to remove impurities, chlorine, and other chemicals from the water that can be harmful to the skin and hair.
-Water Temperature: Set the water temperature to be warm, but not scalding hot, I know the best showers are those that leave your skin red and sore, but those are just awful for your skin. They strip your natural oils and leave you feeling dry and irritated afterward. Lukewarm showers are the best way to go.
Related Post: Optimal Water Temperature For Healthy Skin
-Towels and Robes: Have fluffy, warm towels and a cozy robe ready for when you step out of the shower to wrap yourself in comfort.
By taking the time to set the scene for a spa-like shower routine, you can create a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere that will help you to unwind and take care of your body and mind.
2. Dry Brush To Exfoliate
Now that you’ve set the scene, let the self-care begin.
Dry brushing is a method of exfoliation that involves using a dry brush to gently scrub the skin in circular motions. It is typically done before showering or bathing. This technique has several benefits, such as:
-Exfoliating: Dry brushing removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft.
-Stimulates circulation: The brushstrokes stimulate blood flow, which can help to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
-Lymphatic Drainage: It helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body.
-Improving skin tone: The process of dry brushing can improve the skin’s tone and texture.
To dry brush, it is important to use a natural-bristle brush, and to start at the feet, brushing in upward motions towards the heart.
When dry brushing before showering or bathing, the warm water from your shower will help to open the pores and allow for deeper exfoliation.
It’s important to note that dry brushing can be harsh on sensitive skin, so it’s important to apply a moisturizer after the shower to keep the skin hydrated.
Dry brushing should not be done with each shower routine. For best results, do it once or twice a week,
3. Put On a Face Mask
Putting on a face mask before a shower can be a great way to make the most of your skincare routine.
Applying a face mask before your shower allows the steam from the water to open up your pores, which can help the mask to penetrate deeper and be more effective.
Here is a suggested routine for applying a face mask before a shower:
-Cleanse your face: Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
-Apply the face mask: Apply the face mask of your choice evenly over your face, making sure to avoid the eye area.
-Leave the mask on for the recommended time: Follow the instructions on the face mask packaging for how long to leave the mask on, allowing it to work its magic.
-Take your Shower: While the mask is still on, take a shower. The steam from the water will help to open your pores, allowing the mask to penetrate deeper and be more effective.
-Continue Your Skincare Routine as Usual: Continue with your skincare as you usually would when you’re done with your shower.
It’s important to note that different face masks have different instructions and ingredients, so be sure to read and follow the instructions on the packaging and also take into account any allergies or sensitivities you may have.
4. Detangle Your Hair and Add a Hair Mask
Detangling your hair and adding a hair mask before washing it can be a great way to help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
Detangling your hair before washing can help to prevent breakage and damage during the washing process, while a hair mask can help to nourish and moisturize your hair.
Here is a suggested routine for detangling your hair and adding a hair mask before washing it:
-Detangle your hair: Start by adding conditioner to your hair for more slip and to avoid snagging. Detangle your hair using a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush. Begin at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, being gentle to avoid breakage.
-Apply the hair mask: After detangling your hair, apply a hair mask to the length of your hair, focusing on the ends. Make sure you are using a mask intended to be used on dirty hair( a pre-poo). Leave the hair mask on for the recommended time, typically between 5 to 15 minutes. Choose a hair mask for your specific hair needs, if you have dry hair choose one that tackles that.
-Wash your hair: Once the hair mask has been on for the recommended time, wash your hair as usual. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for your hair type. Go about your wash routine, as usual, using your favorite products.
Shower Routine For Healthy Skin
No matter which of these steps you incorporate, it’s important to make sure you clean your entire body in the shower. Here’s a shower routine for healthy skin:
-Get your temperature right: As we’ve mentioned before, your shower water should not run too hot. Lukewarm to Warm is the ideal temperature for your shower. Hot enough to be warm and soothing but cold enough so it doesn’t scorch your skin.
-Rinse: Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. Let the body run down your skin and wash off any dirt or grime.
-Add soap: Using a loofah or a washcloth apply bar soap or body wash to your body. Start at your neck and shoulders, and work your way down the length of your body. Don’t forget to wash your legs and get between your toes with soap and water. Make sure not to wash inside your vagina as this can alter your pH balance or cause a reaction. (Your vagina cleans itself, just using some water to rinse it off will do the trick)
-Rinse off: Make sure to get any soap remnants off your body.
-Shave: Whether you do this every time you take a shower or once a week, this would be the perfect time to shave. Make sure you exfoliate (like dry brushing) before you shave to avoid ingrown hairs.
-Wash your hair: If you’re washing your hair, now is the time to rinse off your pre-poo mask. Apply shampoo by squirting a quarter-sized amount into your palm. Lather up, focusing on your scalp as well as the nape of your neck. You don’t need to worry about applying shampoo directly to the ends of your hair, as the shampoo will infuse and cleanse your entire hair strands as you rinse it out. Now continue with your wash day as you normally would.
-Cool off: Switch to cool water for the final rinse of your hair and your body. This will help seal conditioner into your hair follicles, encourage blood flow throughout your body, and give you a refreshing jump start as you step out of the shower. Make sure to wash off all the shampoo and conditioner on your body to avoid backne.
Make sure to towel dry before applying any moisturizer to your body, you’ll want to use moisturizing cream right out of the shower for the best results because it seals hydration into your skin.
Kirsten Smith
Great post!
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading
Fransic verso
If we put on the mask after showering, would that make difference? Great things to do and help to take care of us.
tahilamongoya
It wouldn’t make a difference, however, it’s more effective to put in on before your shower.
Valery
I’ve been hearing so much of the benefits of dry brushing. You just convinced me to add it into my routine!!
tahilamongoya
It has so many benefits, definitely agree you should try it out.
LG
Okay, generally when I play music in the shower it’s my favorite bangers. Loved the recommendation to play soothing music.
Will also add dry brushing instead of brushing on wet skin.
Great tips!
tahilamongoya
Me too, I love just having a mosh pit in the shower. But soothing music can really make a difference to your day
Olga
Great self-care routine to live by. Thank you for sharing
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading
Melissa
This is such a great, detailed list! I’ve been prioritizing self care a lot lately and am going to bookmark this post 🙂
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading
nia
How relaxing and restorative! Thank you for sharing this great list!
nia
These are truly great tips – showers can be so much more enjoyable if I take the time to really create a great scene. Thanks!
tahilamongoya
I totally agree. Shower can be your new self-care time
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading
Debbie
Wonderful suggestions for a luxury shower routine. I love my showers and really enjoy a face mask, too. Thanks for the great ideas!
tahilamongoya
Its a really easy way to squeeze in some selfcare
Peris Kariuki
It’s not just about having a shower, it’s also about self-care. Thank you for this article it is amazing.
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading
Pauline Stephens
I adore a good dry brush. This post so very informative for anyone wanting to learn about self care habits.
Sharonda Jackson
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know about the dry-brushing.
tahilamongoya
Thanks for reading