The Best Self-Care Shower Routine For Full Body & Skin Health
Did you know embarking on a journey towards optimal full-body and skin health begins with something as seemingly simple as your shower routine?
Amidst the flow of water, lies a transformative ritual that guarantees cleanliness, a radiant full-body glow, and healthy underlying skin.
And yes, we are still talking about that daily shower…
This seemingly mundane act becomes a cornerstone of self-care, a gateway to unlocking the secrets of radiance and revitalized well-being.
We explore expert-recommended tips that along with our preferred products of choice will guarantee you achieve the best routine each time you emerge from the water.
Let’s get into it — how to take a proper shower.
How To Prepare For Your Shower
What you do in the shower matters — but, more importantly, how you prepare before even stepping in is pivotal.
To kickstart your best shower routine practice, there are three essential steps to follow for glowing skin.
Unfortunately, step three is not our favorite. Despite this, we continue onward.
Step one — Treating your hair with a hair oil mask before the shower
- Begin by pampering your hair with an oil treatment 30 minutes to 3 hours beforehand
- Select an oil tailored to your hair type, like rosemary oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil
- Place the oil in your palms and delicately massage it into your scalp, then distribute it along the lengths of your hair towards the ends
This pre-shower practice effectively nourishes and hydrates your hair, resulting in soft, glowing, and easier-to-manage hair.
*Quick tip — If your routine allows, we suggest sleeping overnight with the hair oil treatment once a week.
Simply place a towel on your pillow or scrunchie your hair before bed. This extended period allows the product to deeply penetrate, providing an enhanced scalp and hair treatment.
Step two — Dry brush your body
This may be a new practice for many — but, dry brushing allows for the exfoliation of dead skin cells, the promotion of a smoother skin texture and new cell growth, and the unclogging of the body’s pores. It also aids in enhancing blood flow, circulation, and superficial lymphatic stimulation, leaving the skin feeling rejuvenated and shower-ready.
For any left wondering how the heck to dry brush, breathe — we are here for you!
- Using your dry brush, begin by working from the feet upwards, focusing on one leg at a time. Just as lymphatic drainage flows from the periphery to the center of the body, you’ll want to start distally (far from the body) and gradually move proximally (toward the body’s center)
- Gently start brushing upwards towards your upper body by using a gentle sweeping motion. The amount of pressure applied should be comfortable.
*Keep in mind — For the love of your skin, this is not a deep-tissue massage
- Dry brush for approximately 3–5 minutes, ensuring every part of your body is addressed, leaving exception for the face.
You’ll begin to feel your skin invigorated even after just a short time.
Step three — Check your water temperature; don’t use hot or cold water — Why lukewarm water is recommended for the best way to shower
Opting for lukewarm water in your shower routine offers numerous benefits for both your skin and overall well-being.
I know we are disappointed too.
Unlike our beloved hot hot hot water showers, which tend to strip away natural oils and lead to dryness, lukewarm water helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
Additionally, it’s gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation or redness, promoting a healthier and glowing complexion.
Well + Good provides how to properly shower and a few additional benefits of a warm water shower, explained by a certified dermatologist.
Moving on, it’s time to hop in that shower to implement that perfect shower routine.
The proper way to shampoo and condition for healthy hair
The frequency of your showers and hair washing routine is influenced by factors such as hair type, skin type, activity level, and personal preference. Typically, showering once a day or every other day is adequate for maintaining good hygiene without causing skin dryness.
Specifically for hair washing, the recommended frequency varies depending on your hair type.
While some may need frequent washing to prevent dandruff, others can maintain cleanliness with hair washes once or twice a week.
With this method, the retention of natural hair oils will be able to foster growth and strengthening.
Adjust your shower frequency and hair washing routine based on what feels comfortable and keeps your hair and skin healthy.
How to properly apply shampoo and conditioner
- Wet hair with lukewarm water for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen grime and existing product buildup
- We recommend choosing hair products made with natural ingredients that are sulfate-free
- Apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the hands, lather, and massage into the scalp, focusing on the roots and behind the ears
- Leave shampoo in for an additional 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing thoroughly
- Follow shampooing with conditioner to lock in moisture and protect hair from damage
- Evenly distribute conditioner from the hair shaft to the tips, avoiding the scalp to prevent oil buildup
- Allow the conditioner to sit for one to two minutes before rinsing thoroughly
*Quick shower routine tip: Make sure that you apply shampoo and conditioner first, followed by washing your body. This sequence allows the body wash to effectively remove any potentially pore-clogging residue left behind by the hair products.
The best shower routine steps for body care
Selecting a natural pH-balancing body wash for your shower routine ensures that you’re treating your skin with care, avoiding harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can cause harmful reactions.
By preserving this delicate balance, pH-balancing body washes support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and prevent issues like dryness, irritation, and acne. Scientifically formulated to match the skin’s natural pH level, these body washes promote optimal skin health.
Not only is a pH-balancing body wash more convenient than a bar soap, but it also tends to be more moisturizing in the end.
We love that for us.
How to best apply your body wash
- Apply a small amount of body wash, approximately the size of a quarter or a generous coin, onto a wet loofah, washcloth, or directly onto your hands
- Gently massage the body wash onto your skin in circular motions, starting from your neck and working your way down to your feet
- Ensure thorough coverage of all areas of your body, including underarms, torso, arms, legs, and feet, paying extra attention to your ‘dirtier’ areas prone to sweat and odor buildup.
Shave the right way
Regardless of how often you shave, it’s essential to approach it correctly.
*Quick tip- Make sure you’ve washed your body first to ensure your skin is clean and your pores have opened up before picking up that razor!
We recommend using a two to five-blade razor along with shaving cream to reduce irritation.
Opting for natural shaving oils provides an excellent alternative to cream-based products, offering a smoother, buttery texture for your shave. Silky smooth.
Additionally, remember to shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent our worst nightmare, razor bumps.
Wash your face at the end of your shower
Now that your body is feeling refreshed and your skin cleansed, it’s time to wrap up your shower routine with our favorite step: washing the face.
This final touch ensures the complete removal of sweat, dirt, and impurities from your skin. Taking advantage of the open pores post-shower, cleansing your face allows the product to penetrate deeply, leaving your skin feeling truly rejuvenated.
How to properly wash your face? We thought you would never ask!
- To cleanse your face effectively, opt for a gentle facial cleanser suited to your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or sensitive
- Look for products with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid for oily or acne-prone skin
- Look for products with hyaluronic acid or ceramides for dry or sensitive skin types
- Gently massage the cleanser onto damp skin using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to reveal a rejuvenated complexion
It’s time to dry off and moisturize
Your shower routine extends beyond the moment you switch off the water.
This will soon become second nature with consistency, keep going — you got this!
As Puracy’s reputable dermatologists highlight, proper after-care is essential. From selecting the finest microfiber towel or drying your hair to applying a natural skin moisturizer, every step matters.
*Did you know that applying lotions within three minutes of leaving the shower helps prevent dehydration? So interesting …
We provide guidance to help initiate your best routine — it’s no surprise the products you choose matters.
Our favorite shower routine products to achieve the best shower routine results
Top products to use before the shower:
Hair oil — Cliganic Jojoba Oil stands as a pinnacle solution for dry skin and hair, being 100% pure, unrefined, and entirely natural.
Jojoba oil is recognized as nature’s moisturizer due to its resemblance to the skin’s sebum, the oil is rich in vital vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and B-complex.
Two words, game changer.
Along with the 100% Pure Rosemary Oil to promote hair growth and clear/clean scalp capabilities.
Both contain brilliance in a bottle.
Hair wrap — Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies work wonders for holding hair in place following the application of a hair oil mask. They are also washable and reusable after several uses.
Dry Brush- Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush, our most prized possession, is specially crafted to gently sweep away dead skin cells and boost circulation, revealing smoother, more radiant skin.
Top products to use during the shower:
Shampoo + Conditioner — The Pureology hydrating and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner targets dry hair while being sulfate-free and 100% vegan. This brand continues to be our tried and true.
*Quick Tip- Make sure to research thoroughly — Pureology offers numerous lines tailored to match your hair type and specific needs.
Hair mask post-conditioner for extra hydration and moisturizer — Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask for hydration and silky softness while the Virtue Treatment Mask completely restores and repairs the hair within minutes.
Body wash — Persistent dry skin has always been a challenge all year long. We’ve experimented with various remedies, and this is the only product that consistently keeps our skin glowing with moisture throughout the changing season — Olay Cleansing & Strengthening Body Wash w/ with Ceramide and Vitamin B3 Complex.
Huge win for the body’s skin for a pH-balancing wash.
Loofa — Our preferred option, the Almooni Exfoliating body scrubber, is crafted from all-natural materials, facilitating gentle use and enhancing the absorption of your skincare products.
(This step can be skipped if you dry brush.)
Razor for the best shave — For women with sensitive skin, Billie Razors revolutionizes the shaving experience for a smooth, clean appearance. This 5-blade razor is suitable for all skin types and comes highly recommended by us.
Shaving cream — Fur Shave Cream is known for moisturizing and soothing the skin.
Based on our experience, Fur effectively minimizes and prevents bumps and irritation throughout the process.
Shaving oil — For more of a buttery after feel, Olio E Osso is a natural liscia shave oil that works to enhance dry skin and immediately rejuvenates the skin.
Our pride and joy face wash — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser or the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, we’ve used both for clear, clean, and hydrating skin …
And we are never going back.
Top products to use after the shower:
Lotions and moisturizers — Olay Nourishing & Hydrating Body Lotion accompanied with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3 Complex make for a perfect after-shower treatment to deeply nourish your skin from head to toe for long-lasting, smooth skin.
And lastly, make sure to finish out with your personalized skincare for your after shower routine.
You are now clean with the everything shower routine
You did it. A simple, quick, and seamless way to ensure the completion of the best shower routine for your full body and adored skin.
By embracing the power of a well-crafted and simple shower routine, we unlock the gateway to a world of radiant skin, boosted confidence, and enhanced well-being.
So, let’s not underestimate the transformative potential of those precious minutes under the cascading water.
One more thing to do before you leave the bathroom? High-five yourself for prioritizing self-care, you did that.
Practice your best shower routine today and shop our top products listed above. Let us know what shower routine products worked best for you!
Thoughts? Comment below!
