5 ways to have a better shower

When you think of showering, what one word springs to mind?

Cleaning? Washing? Chore? Necessity?

Presumably nothing even close to the words luxury, relaxation, nourishment or indulgence.

While showering is generally something that’s done every day and often due to routine more than anything, it doesn’t mean you can’t also use the time to pamper yourself. After all, taking some extra time and care in your shower can be extremely beneficial for your skin.

So how can you ensure your skin is getting the best possible nourishment and transform your shower from a chore into a blissful burst of ‘me’ time? Simply by implementing these five things…

#1: get the temperature right

As tempting as hot showers may be, for the sake of your skin it’s best to keep your shower at a lukewarm temperature. Use your hand to set the temperature of the water before you step in and don’t touch the taps again until you’re done. As your body becomes accustomed to the water, you may be tempted to increase the temperature but it’s best to resist. Super hot showers can dry out the skin by stripping it of natural oils and moisture, whereas cooler showers can actually help to hydrate the skin, increase blood circulation and also prevent split ends. As dryness is a common skin issue for both men and women, getting the temperature right is essential for keeping your body feeling healthy and smooth. If you shower in the morning, keeping the water at a cooler temperature will also be more effective at waking you up.

#2: play music

If you have an iPod dock or portable music player, why not try moving it into your bathroom? Music can help to reduce stress, relax the mind and improve your mood. Plus, choosing to play nothing but the songs that you love – without judgement or trying to please anybody else – certainly adds an element of ‘me’ time. If you’re showering in the morning, choose a playlist that’s upbeat to get you going. Alternatively, if you’re showering at night, choose softer and slower songs to relax your mind and get you ready for sleep. No matter what time of day you’re showering, or what kind of activity you’re getting ready for, there’s guaranteed to be a song to suit every mood and every shower!

#3: nourish and pamper your skin

Most people focus too much on their hair when they’re showering and not enough on their skin. To change this, choose a body wash that not only cleanses the skin, but also smells delicious and feels great, too. (Because let’s face it, we’re all more inclined to wash properly if the product we’re using feels amazing and leaves our skin soft and smooth.) Dove Triple Moisturising Body Wash is the ultimate pampering body wash. Not only does the rich and creamy formula feel luxurious against the skin, but it’s also formulated with Nutrium Moisture™, which enables lipids to penetrate the skin’s surface for deeper nourishment. Use it daily and dry skin won’t stand a chance thanks to the creamy formula that ensures skin is kept looking and feeling soft and healthy. You’ll be surprised at just how much your shower becomes more of an indulgence than a chore, simply by including this moisturising magic in a bottle.

#4: use a loofah

One of the common mistakes many of us make when it comes to skin care is not exfoliating enough. Removing dead skin cells using a loofah every now and then is an affordable and easy way to keep the skin silky and smooth. It’s not a necessity for your everyday shower, but doing it once every couple of days is very beneficial for overall skin health and also aids in pampering the skin by stimulating the cells. Those with dry skin often shy away from exfoliating as they believe it will only dry their skin out further, however exfoliating actually has the opposite effect, as it speeds up the skin’s natural renewal process and helps moisture to penetrate deeper.

#5: pat, don’t rub

After your shower, pat your skin dry with the largest and fluffiest towel you can find. Most people make the mistake of vigorously rubbing their skin in order to get it dry. While this may be quicker, it certainly isn’t good for your skin, especially as it’s at its most sensitive straight after a shower. By taking your time to slowly pat and let the towel absorb any excess water, you’re helping to further combat dry skin by locking in the moisture from your shower, instead of removing it with friction.