How to shower

How to shower
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Taking a shower might seem pretty simple, but there are ways you could be doing it wrong. Even if you have the basics of soap and warm water set, here’s what you need to know – from how you scrub your scalp to what temperature you use – for an even better shower, according to dermatologists.

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Your soap doesn’t contain any moisturiser

Your soap doesn’t contain any moisturiser
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“Bar soap without any moisturising agent, like many antibacterial deodorant soaps, can really dry out your skin,” says dermatologist Dr Mona Gohara. Look for bars with stearic acid in the ingredient list or ‘moisturising’ advertised below the name, she says.

Here are more bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. 

Your shower is too hot and too long

Your shower is too hot and too long
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Nobody’s asking you to take a cold shower in the middle of winter, but don’t take a scalding hot one, either. “Showers, especially in winter, are way too hot and long. This strips your skin of natural oils and lipids that help trap water to keep it moist,” says Dr Gohara.

You don’t condition your scalp

You don’t condition your scalp
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Many people concentrate on spreading conditioner throughout the body of their hair while avoiding the roots. But Dr Johnson advises conditioning the entire length of the hair, from root to tip. Conditioner hydrates the skin of your scalp, which helps prevent itchiness and flaking.

Here are natural inexpensive tricks to condition dry locks, leaving hair luscious.

You scrub your body during washing

You scrub your body during washing
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“People are too aggressive with loofahs and washcloths,” says Dr Gohara. “Loofahs are terrible for scrubbing because they’re rough and can remove the skin’s natural protective barrier.” That’s one of the reasons why dermatologists never use loofahs. She recommends a cotton baby washcloth; gently glide it over skin with minimal rubbing. Dr Johnson says using just your own hand is good enough, but urges people who must use a loofah or cloth to switch it out for a clean one regularly to avoid bacteria build-up.

Spending a lot of money on skincare? Here are 8 beauty products dermatologists wish you’d stop wasting your money on.

Your razor has too many blades

Your razor has too many blades
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A four- or five-blade razor might give a close shave, but it can also damage your skin. “You actually cut into your skin when you shave, so the more blades you use, the worse off you are,” says Dr Gohara. “To minimise trauma, a simple one- or two-blade razor is ideal.” Technique matters, too. Dr Gohara says to make sure to move the razor down and away from you, not up. Shaving up means you’re going against the grain, which means you are more likely to cut yourself. It also inflames the hair follicle, causing razor bumps. Be sure the area is well lubricated with soap or shaving cream for the smoothest and safest shave.

You don’t rinse well enough

You don’t rinse well enough
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It’s important to make sure all soap and hair products are completely rinsed off, Dr Johnson says; lingering product can lead to skin irritation and clogged pores, which can cause acne. Prevent “back acne” (pimples on your back) by rinsing your hair with your head tilted to the side, allowing the shampoo and conditioner to run right into the drain and not down your back.

Here are easy ways to let your skin glow.

You wait to apply lotion

You wait to apply lotion
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The best time to moisturise is as soon as you finish patting yourself dry – when your skin is still damp. “Make use of the ambient heat from the shower and humidity in the bathroom and put on moisturiser within minutes,” says Dr Gohara. “Lotion soaks into skin best when it’s a little damp.”

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Source: RD.com

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