Do you know how to shower properly?
Showering is an automatic habit for many people, but some seemingly harmless habits can cause damage to your skin, hair, and even your overall health.
In this article, you’ll learn how to shower properly and learn about the main mistakes many people make in the shower.
How to shower correctly?
Is there a right way to shower? Yes! And it all starts with choosing the right products.
Consider your body’s needs, such as your skin and hair type, and choose products that make sense for your daily routine. Click Here to buy Cotton Bath Towel in India
Antibacterial soap is a great way to protect your skin against germs and bacteria that accumulate throughout the day, promoting better health for you and your family.
Now, learn about other mistakes you might be making when showering.
Taking long, inappropriately hot baths:
Hot water may make bathing more relaxing, but it also strips away the skin’s natural protective oil layer, which promotes dryness and irritation.
To avoid these effects, follow a few simple recommendations:
Choose lukewarm or cool water, preferably close to body temperature (around 37°C);
Test the temperature using the back of your hand or wrist: if it feels comfortable there, it’s appropriate for the rest of your body;
Avoid very long baths: limit your bath to 10 minutes or less to avoid damaging your skin’s hydration.
Apply soap all over your body:
Applying soap all over your body isn’t always necessary. For a complete bath, using it only on areas that accumulate the most sweat and odor, such as your armpits, feet, and intimate area, is sufficient.
It’s also important not to use the same soap on every part of your body. The skin on your face, for example, is more sensitive and requires a specific product with a gentle formula and an appropriate pH.
The same goes for your intimate area, which has a naturally more acidic pH—between 3.8 and 4.5—essential for protecting it from irritation and infection.
Whenever possible, opt for soaps specifically for your face and intimate soaps developed specifically for this area.
Using a loofah and its derivatives:
Loofahs can easily accumulate bacteria and fungi, posing a risk to skin health. Frequent use, especially with intense friction, can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin or those with conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
A safer alternative is to use your hands or a soft cloth to clean your body. If you prefer to continue using a loofah, choose models that dry quickly, such as those made of silicone or vegetable oil.
To prevent the proliferation of microorganisms, wash the loofah with mild soap after each use, let it dry thoroughly in a ventilated place, and replace it at least every 15 days.
Washing your hair too often:
Hair and scalp produce natural oils essential for hydration and protection. Washing your hair too often can strip away this protection, leaving it dry, dull, and more prone to breakage.
The ideal frequency depends on your Hair type:
Dry or curly: can be washed 2 to 3 times a week to preserve hydration and definition;
Oily: can generally be washed every other day, preferably with oil-controlling shampoos;
Normal: washing about 3 times a week with gentle products is usually sufficient.
Using the same towel for your body and face:
The face and body have different care needs. Using the same towel for both can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from the body to the facial skin, aggravating problems like acne and irritation.
Therefore, choose separate towels for your body and face. Wash them regularly, ideally every two or three days, and let them dry completely after use.
If you’re short on bathroom space, use different colored towels to avoid confusion.
Scrubbing your skin too much:
Scrubbing your skin too vigorously can damage its natural barrier, causing dryness, irritation, and even small cracks that facilitate infection.
To take good care of your skin, use your hands or soft sponges, use gentle, circular motions, avoid excessively washing delicate areas like your face and neck, and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Showering too many times a Day:
Showering multiple times a day, especially with hot water, can strip your skin of its natural moisture, causing dryness, irritation, and cracking.
Ideally, you should shower once a day, but this can vary depending on your skin type, climate, and physical activity level. If you need to shower more than once, opt for quick, lukewarm showers, apply a body moisturizer, and use soap only on necessary areas, such as your armpits, feet, and groin.
