What You Are Doing Wrong in The Shower

By Alexis Mills

Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think there was a wrong way to take a shower. That is,  until I began to learn that little things really do matter once you step under that warm healing spray. It's more than just turning on the water, washing your body, and rinsing off. Actually, we are all probably making some sort of showering mistake that can be easily fixed.

Not Finishing with Cold Water

Taking a warm shower opens your pores, which is great for that period that you're actually in the shower. But once you leave the shower, the pores remain open for anything to enter into your bloodstream. Finishing your shower with a quick rinse of cold water to close your pores; it will also help wake you up and tighten your skin.

Using Water That is Too Hot

Scorching hot showers, to me, are heavenly -- but finding out that they aren't great for my skin was definitely disappointing. Taking a hot shower dries out your skin and causes itchy spots. If you step out of the shower with red and blotchy skin, your shower was too hot. If you want to have glowing, hydrated skin, try for a warm shower instead of a burning hot shower. 

Picking Out Harmful Products

Unfortunately, there are many harmful ingredients in beauty products that shouldn't be there in the first place. It's important to be mindful of what is in the products you are buying and to not trust all beauty companies. My rule for evaluating products is to do my best to pick ones with fewer ingredients that I can also recognize and pronounce.

Applying Face Masks After Showering

Anything that you apply after a shower will be rapidly absorbed. The most important after shower product is hydrating lotion; it seals in the body moisture. If you do a clay mask or exfoliating mask, do it before your shower but do moisturizing masks after your shower.

Not Replacing Your Loofah

Loofahs are a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if you are not completely ringing out your loofah. A used loofah can create a build-up as well. If you do still want to use a loofah, it's important to rinse and wring out after each use. Be sure to store it outside of the shower so that it's not impacted by moisture. Replace your loofah regularly to ensure that you aren't spreading bacteria all over your body.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dawsonville, Ga.