How to Shower Correctly: Dos & Don'ts for Better Skin & Hair

Some of us do it in the morning, some before bed, and others? Well, they do it twice a day. We’re talking about showering (what were you thinking?) and it’s one of the most essential parts of our personal care routines. 

Showering might seem like a total no-brainer, but if you want soft, comfortable, hydrated skin and shiny, healthy hair, there are a few dos and don’ts you need to know about. From the time spent under the tap to the best prods for your bod, here’s how to shower correctly. Read on!

DO get the temperature right

Not too hot, not too cold… like porridge, it’s important to get the temperature of your shower just right. While cold showers can be super invigorating and give your skin a healthy flush, they’re not for everybody. And piping hot showers, while comforting during winter, are, unfortunately, best avoided all year round. 

Stripping your skin of its natural oils, hot shower water can leave your skin dry, itchy and irritated – and even fade your latest dye job! It’s therefore best to keep things lukewarm, especially if you’re prone to dry skin conditions such as eczema.

DON’T use a cheap, drying soap or wash

Just as problematic as scalding hot water are drying soaps and cheap body washes that contain harsh, stripping ingredients like sulfates. A commonly used group of detergents, sulfates are popular because they create a bucketload of foam, cheaply – but they can also cause dryness and even irritation in more sensitive skins. 

Instead of grabbing whatever’s nearest, treat yourself to a restorative, pH-balanced body wash or shower gel that gently cleanses the skin, while helping it retain precious moisture. Formulated with hydrating coconut water and aloe vera, our Smoothie Shower Gels are a great example! In addition to cleansing, smoothing ingredients, they contain beneficial prebiotics to promote a balanced skin microbiome and healthy barrier for clean, clear, comfortable skin.

DO get scrubbing  

Just like your face, the skin on your body needs regular, gentle exfoliation, and – since it can get kinda messy – the shower is the perfect time to get your scrub on. While loofahs and exfoliating mitts promote skin cell turnover and are great for prepping your skin for tanning, there’s nothing quite as indulgent as sloughing your body with a gorgeously scented sugar scrub, like our Glow Figure Bali Buffing Sugar. 

Ideal for use once or twice a week, the triple-exfoliating formula is packed with Balinese botanicals to boost circulation, smooth the skin and promote a radiant, even glow. Even better, the delicious dragonfruit and lychee fragrance will whisk you away to paradise – so get scrubbing!

Still attached to your washcloth or loofah? That’s cool. Just make sure you wash and air it regularly to get rid of the bacteria that love to breed in dark, damp places. 

DON’T forget to brush your hair before washing

While you’re probably used to combing hair AFTER you shower, it’s actually a good idea to brush your hair beforehand as well. Giving your hair a thorough brushing while still dry not only helps dislodge dead skin cells, it helps keep unwanted tangles at bay. Hair is also in a more vulnerable state when wet, so it’s best to tackle any major knots before turning on the tap. 

Give our Tangle Tamer a go to smooth strands, stimulate blood flow to your scalp and get the best out of your shampoo!

DO follow this order: shampoo, condition, body wash, shave

Shampoo and conditioner residue can cause body breakouts, so make sure you rinse off thoroughly for at least 60 seconds. It’s also wise to steer clear of potentially pore clogging ingredients with a sulfate and silicone-free duo, like our Super Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. 

Once in the shower, shampoo your hair, then apply conditioner and finish with a hydrating body wash to remove all traces of your hair products. Another tip? Save hair removal until the end of your shower. Not only will your hair be softer, your pores will be more open, allowing an ultra-close shave.

DON’T shower too often… or for too long

While we’re all for good hygiene, you might want to ask yourself if you really need that second (or third!) daily shower. Unless you’re working up a sweat at the gym or live in a hot and humid climate, many dermatologists suggest it’s an overkill. And, by stripping your skin of natural oils and good bacteria, you could be setting yourself up for skin problems. 

Pay attention to your body and, if your skin’s suddenly or chronically dry, dull and irritated, try bathing less frequently (within reason). Also consider reducing your time under the spray, as shorter showers aren’t just better for the planet, they’re also better for your skin. Try capping your showers at 10 minutes, maximum, and you’ll kill two birds with one stone.

DO apply body moisturiser to damp skin

Once you jump out of the shower, don’t dilly dally – get busy with your favourite body cream or lotion! The ideal time to apply this is while the skin is still damp, as this will help lock in water and any moisturising ingredients. After a warm shower, your pores are nice and open, and your body moisturiser will absorb like a dream for soft, smooth skin.  

For all-day hydration and antioxidant protection, try slathering on our velvety Body Moisture Whip. Formulated with CelluShape™️ Technology it targets lumps and bumps and helps to blur skimperfections. Choose from our OG dragonfruit and lychee fragrance or our latest tropical mango scent (perf if you're a Sunny Honey addict)!


Written By: Pip Jarvis 

Edited by: Vidhya

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