Personal hygiene: Guide to a proper shower

Showering has always been a simple day to day activity that we do. We don’t put too much thought into it because we assume that there’s never a real formula to it other than just lathering, rinsing and hopping out of the shower.

It turns out there is a way to shower effectively to ensure maximum hygiene. That means that learning how to shower properly isn’t only for kids. Take notes.

Dermatologists always recommend that you use a mild soap for the face and a stronger one for the body. Your face is sensitive so ensure that you stick to the gentle formulas for best results. When it comes your body, you’ll need something that can cleanse the dirt out effectively. It’s a bonus if you can find one that is mild enough for the face and strong enough for the body. Those work well too.

You shouldn’t shower with extremely cold water neither should you shower with extremely hot water. Freezing water is frankly uncomfortable and it can actually shock your body which isn’t what you need. Water that is too hot, on the other hand, can dry out your skin because it will strip all the natural oils out. Warm water is the best because it will feel great on your skin and open up your pores for cleansing.

Washing your body from the top to the bottom is the most effective way to shower. This method will help the soap work its way through the skin as it trickles down to your feet. Start by shampooing your hair, if you were planning to wash it, then get to your face, neck and behind the ears. The next step is washing your torso followed by your nether regions and finally your feet. It’s important to remember some of those hidden areas, like your belly button, because they can harbor dirt and bacteria easily.

Scrubbing too hard won’t help get the dirt out. In fact, doing this will damage your skin and leave small tears all over your body. Ouch! Be gentle, whether you are washing your face or the rest of your body.

If you’re planning to shave, this is the best time to do it. By now the pores on your skin have relaxed and opened up, which makes it easier for the blade to maneuver. The process will simply be easier and your skin will experience less damage from shaving. If you choose to shave before scrubbing your body, your skin will be irritated.

Yes, we understand that showering is therapeutic and relaxing but if you take too long in there, you might suffer some consequences. Long showers can dry out your skin, hair and also make you susceptible to skin infections because you’ve stripped away the protective layers. I know you love those long relaxing shower but, try to keep things short.

Some people recommend that you rinse with cold water afterwards because it helps to seal your pores after all the scrubbing and shaving and it actually has some stress reducing properties.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a whole 10 minutes suffering under the cold shower. All you need to do is to rinse for about 10 to 30 seconds and you’re done.

Another bonus point is to moisturize your skin immediately after towel-drying the excess water. The moisture of your skin will help with the absorption, which ensures you get all the amazing benefits from your lotion.