After existing on this planet for a good couple of decades or longer, you may not realize that you have been showering all wrong. You’ve probably got a routine that you follow whenever you step into the shower, but there are things you should never do in the shower that you should be aware of.
Life is all about learning, especially when it comes to looking after yourself and metamorphosing from a whipper-snapper to a fully-fledged adult. Even though you may still feel eighteen on the inside, you’re not getting any younger and it’s always useful to know how to do things properly. Of course, some folks are better at certain things than others, but when it comes to personal hygiene, there are certain guidelines that will benefit everyone.
Depending on your upbringing, you may or may not have had the semi-embarrassing chat about how to efficiently wash your bod with a parent or guardian. If you didn’t ever get round to this conversation — lucky you — you may have missed out on some vital snippets of info. Chances are, you’re probably bathing just fine (unless you stink to high heaven) but it doesn’t hurt to have some tips up your sleeve on things you should never do in the shower. So, I spoke with an aesthetician, a dermatologist, and a hairstylist to discover the bad bathing habits we should put a stop to pronto.
1. Use Piping Hot Water
I spoke with Stalina Glot, a Senior Aesthetician at Haven Spa NYC, about things you should never do in the shower. Glot says not to take hot showers, due to the fact that they remove too many of your natural oils.
Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist at NYC's SKINNEY Medspa, also tells me over email, “Water that is too hot can strip the skin of its natural oils and hydration and leave the skin too dry.” Instead she recommends people to, “Use water that is warm instead of hot.”
2. Shower For Too Long
It can be more than tempting to stay in the shower for just a few extra minutes, especially when it’s cold outside. However, Glot warns that you shouldn’t shower for too long, as it can make your skin dry and itchy. Dr. King seconds this, saying, “Don't shower more than once per day or for more than 8 minutes at a time.” As someone who adores long showers, I feel your pain, but quick showers are better for your skin.
3. Use A Scrub In The Shower Stream
IMO, it’s super frustrating when you lather up your hands with a scrub and just when you’re ready to start applying it to your bod, it washes off your hands and runs down the drain. Glot says, “Don't use a scrub in the stream of a shower: Water runs on the face [and] body and washes [the] scrub away before anything beneficial can happen.”
4. Over-Use Loofahs
Aquasentials Loofah Back Scrubber Brush, $6, Amazon
If you’re a loofah lover, you’ll want to know what Glot has to say about these unusual sponges, “They are great for exfoliating but loofahs are also loaded with germs.” Glot advises, “Don't over use your loofahs.”
5. Put Shampoo On Partially Wet Hair
When it comes to hair care in the shower, Judy McGuinness, Senior Stylist at Mizu New York, has some helpful advice. McGuinness tells me over email, “Make sure your hair is fully drenched in water before lathering up! If your hair isn't completely wet, the shampoo won't lather properly, and you'll end up using more than you need…” She elaborates, “This is especially important for sulfate-free shampoo, as there isn't any detergent in the formula to help it foam up.”
6. Shave Your Legs On The Day Of A Pedicure
Dr. King tells me, “Don’t shave your legs when you shower on a day you are going to go for a pedicure.” She explains, “It increases the risk of infection.” If you’re a lady who likes to have silky pins, make sure you shave at least the day before your pedicure appointment, so you don’t put yourself at risk of infection.
7. Use Oily Products In The Shower
Although this may seem like common sense, it's something you might end up doing once, then never repeating again, due to injuring yourself. Glot says, “Don't use an oily product in the shower. It make the floor dangerously slippery.” Don’t bother with oily products if you want to avoid potential accidents, because slipping in the shower can lead to disastrous consequences.
So keep your hair and skin in tip-top condition, and stay safe in the shower with this expert advice!
Images: Getty Images (5); Bustle
