5 Ways to Improve Your Shower Routine

Let’s talk about showers. We all take them, but are you making the most of yours? There’s more to a good shower than just getting clean. Consider bathing an integral part of your beauty regimen. That’s why we’re revealing five ways to improve your shower routine—keep reading to find out how.

1. Turn Down the Temperature

We’ll admit it, steamy showers are seriously relaxing—but, that doesn’t mean they’re good for your skin and hair. Water that’s too hot can strip your skin and hair of essential oils, which could leave both feeling drier and looking duller. So, the next time you step into the shower, turn the dial down a few notches, settling on water that’s lukewarm. You’ll still be able to get clean, but your hair and skin will thank you for the heat reprieve.

2. Shorten Your Shower

Once you feel the (luke-) warm embrace of the water, you may want to stay in the shower forever. Showers that last an hour certainly seem indulgent and refreshing, but that’s not quite the case. Stay in for too long and you run the risk of drying out your skin. Do right by your skin by cutting down on the length of your showers.

3. Try a Nourishing System of Hair Care Products

Show your mane some serious love during your next shower by reaching for a nourishing system of shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner. Gently massage the shampoo into a thick lather and rinse thoroughly. Then, follow up by applying the conditioner and leave it on for 1-3 minutes before rinsing out. Once or twice a week, treat your hair to a deep-conditioning hair mask, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Renourishing Butter. After shampooing, apply it to wet hair, focusing on your lengths and ends. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo mask for added detangling and extra conditioning.

4. Shave Your Legs the Right Way

Shaving tends to be a total pain in the butt, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting silky, smooth legs. In order to improve your shaving experience, and your shower in general, you’ll want to learn the right way to shave your legs. Shaving correctly is key in avoiding razor bumps and irritation. Follow these steps for your best shave yet:

Step 1: Soak your skin. Shaving shouldn’t be the start of your shower. Give your skin and hair time to get wet, and soften, before you begin.

Step 2: Use shaving cream. No more shaving with makeshift shower creams and gels. That means putting down the bar soap, body wash, and conditioner. Sticking with a product formulated specifically for shaving can help ensure your razor can glide without cutting your skin.

Step 3: Replace your razor. Razors and razor blades may get pricey, but it’s well worth it to replace them regularly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should toss disposable razors after five to seven shaves, as this can help minimize irritation from dull blades.

Step 4: Take it slow. While you’re wielding a sharp object, it’s always a good rule not to rush. Take your time and be careful not to press too hard or move too quickly.

5. Don’t Dry Off Immediately

Rather than reaching for a towel as your first move post-shower, take advantage of the water sitting on your skin. According to the AAD, the best time apply moisturizer is when your skin is still damp, as this can help lock in hydration. Before drying off, use the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin. Have your pick based on your skin type, then prepare for max skin hydration.

For more shower-based beauty tips, check out our article, 6 Hair-Washing Mistakes You Could Be Making.