Taking a shower is one of the essential parts of our day-to-day lives. It is one of the most basic tasks that people do daily. But we use them to get clean, refresh ourselves, and start fresh for the day ahead. It’s something that’s necessary for staying clean and healthy, but many people don’t realize that there are certain habits they can develop to make their showers even more beneficial. In fact, by making a few small changes in your shower routine, you can improve your skin health and help keep your hair healthy. Here are seven of the most beneficial shower habits you should start practicing today.
Wash Your Towels Frequently
You might not think that your towel has much to do with how healthy your skin is, but it actually plays a big role. Towels tend to hang in warm, moist environments, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Also, when you use a towel more than once to dry off after a shower, you’re essentially rubbing all of the dirt, oil, and bacteria on your skin right back into your pores. This can lead to breakouts, irritation, and other skin problems. To avoid this, make sure to wash your towels frequently. Once a week is usually sufficient; however, you may need to wash them more often if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts.
Avoid Hot Water
Most people think that hot water is the best way to get clean, but this isn’t actually the case. Hot water can harm your skin by stripping away its natural oils and moisture. This can leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and itchy. It can also increase your chances of premature aging and other skin problems. Instead, try using warm water for the first half of your shower to avoid these issues, and then switch to cold water for the second half. Coldwater has a host of benefits for your skin, including reducing inflammation, tightening pores, and preventing wrinkles.
Moisturize When You Get Out Of The Shower
One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is to moisturize it regularly. When you get out of the shower, your skin is damp and hydrated, which is the perfect time to apply some moisturizer. This will help replenish the natural oils stripped away by the water. Without moisture, your skin will become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. Applying a moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the shower will help lock in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Also, look for a moisturizer containing SPF, which will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Brush Your Hair Before You Shower
You might not think that brushing your hair has anything to do with taking a shower, but it makes a big difference. When you brush your hair before you shower, it helps to remove any tangles and knots. This allows the water and shampoo to evenly distribute through your hair, which leads to a cleaner and healthier scalp. It also helps to prevent breakage and split ends. Lastly, brushing your hair before you shower will help stimulate blood flow to your scalp. This can promote hair growth and prevent premature balding.
Don’t Wrap Your Hair In A Towel
When you get out of the shower, it’s natural to want to wrap your hair in a towel to soak up the excess water. But this isn’t actually the best thing for your hair. When your hair is wet, it’s more prone to damage and breakage. In addition, by wrapping it in a towel, you’re essentially rubbing all of the dirt and oil from your head into your hair shafts. This can lead to frizziness, tangles, and other hair problems. To avoid this, try using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt instead. These absorbent materials will soak up the moisture without causing damage.
Don’t Scrub Too Hard
When washing your body in the shower, it’s important not to scrub too hard. Many people think that scrubbing their skin will make them cleaner, but this isn’t the case. In fact, scrubbing too hard can actually damage your skin. Scrubbing can strip away the natural oils that protect your skin and leave it feeling dry and irritated. It can also cause microtears in the skin, leading to infection. Instead, when washing your body, use gentle circular motions and make sure to use a gentle soap or body wash.
Change Your Loofah Regularly
Loofahs are a great way to exfoliate your skin, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a nasty case of acne or other skin problems. To avoid this, make sure to change your loofah regularly. Once a month is usually sufficient, but you may need to change it more often if you have sensitive skin. Also, be sure to clean your loofah thoroughly after each use. Soak it in hot water and soap for several minutes to kill any bacteria lurking on the surface.
Start Making Changes To Your Shower Habits!
Taking a shower is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Not only does it help you to stay clean and healthy, but it also has a host of other benefits. By following these simple tips, you can improve the health of your skin and hair in no time. So what are you waiting for? Start adding some of these to your shower routine today!