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You would think that right after you take a shower, you would feel clean and comfortable for the remainder of the day. But if you tend to feel dirtier more quickly than you would like, you might want to look into how to get super clean in the shower, and how to make that freshness last. Not all showers are created equal, and there are a number of habits you may want to ditch if you want to feel your best for as long as possible.
"Many people lose the feeling of freshness quickly after showering and feel itchy or dry because they often spend too much time in the shower, scrub too aggressively, and use harsh products," dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD/MPH tells Bustle. "Tepid short showers, avoidance of loofahs and other scrubbing agents, and gentle cleansers will all be helpful. It is not necessary to shampoo daily (usually 2-3 times weekly suffices) and moisturizing aggressively upon exiting the shower will all help to trap in the skin's natural oils while increasing one's skin barrier."
Everyone's skin has different needs, but if you want to maintain that feeling of cleanliness all day long, you might want to make some changes to your shower habits. Here are 11 mistakes you might be making in the shower that experts say prevent you from feeling fresh all day.
1
Using Too Much Soap
Contrary to what you might think, increasing the amount of soap you use won't always make you feel cleaner. "Soap and cleansing products are really only necessary in areas that produce odor or become soiled, such as the armpits, underwear region, and feet," dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA tells Bustle. "Beyond this, cleaning agents may strip natural moisturizing factors of the skin, leading to dry skin or even eczema in susceptible individuals."
2
Using A Dull Blade
Make sure you switch out your razors frequently for the closest shave. "A long-used razor cannot efficiently or as easily remove hair, as the dull blades catching and causing friction on the skin," says Palm. "This may lead to microscopic skin irritation. Irritated skin is susceptible to rashes and even worse, bacterial infection."
3
Shaving At The Beginning Of The Shower
Rather than shaving right when you step into the shower, shave closer to the end of the shower when the hairs are well hydrated, suggests dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman. "Never use soap to shave always use shaving foam or gel," she says. "You can also use a soft loofah or slightly abrasive sponge to help exfoliate and take the dead skin off so that the hair doesn't stay trapped under the dead skin."
4
Using An Old Shower Puff or Cleansing Cloth
An old cleaning cloth, buff, or puff can harbor bacteria. "Instead of cleansing, you may be re-depositing the dirty stuff back on the skin," says Palm. "Replace cleansing tools every three months to ensure your skin is clean and feels fresh after the shower."
5
Making The Water Too Hot
A steaming hot shower feels nice, but it can be irritating to the skin, and it can enhance moisture-loss after you step out of the shower — making your skin dry, and you feel not so fresh. "A really hot shower can also increase your core body temperature, leaving you sweating after the shower, increasing the likelihood of sweat residue that invites bacteria growth that creates body odor," says Palm. Instead of going for a super hot shower, opt for a warm shower instead.
6
Making The Water Too Cold
Just as you don't want the water temperature to be too hot, you also don't want it to be too cold. "[Cold showers do not] truly help rejuvenate your body," Dr. Aditi G Jha, MD tells Bustle. "Warm water helps calm aches and soothes your muscle fatigue, making you feel healthier and energetic."
7
Showering For Too Long
It sure feels good to sit under that hot water — especially on a cold morning — but if your showers are too long, you're skin is more likely to become dry. "Limit your showers to 5-10 minutes max," says Klein.
8
Letting Your Hair Products Drip Onto Your Skin
It's important to protect your skin while washing your hair. "Don’t let hair products rinse over your entire body," beauty expert Jeanette Zinno tells Bustle. "They can cause irritation on other parts of your skin since they’re only formulated for your hair. Tilt your head back to wash out the shampoo or conditioner."
9
Not Completely Rinsing
Make sure you rinse all of your soap or body wash off your body at the end of the shower. "If anything is left on you, it will dry out that area of skin," says Zinno. "This could be why you have a random patches of dry skin on your body."
10
Rubbing Your Skin Dry After
If you find that your skin feels dry and flakey after a shower, make sure you're not rubbing your skin with the towel when you get out. Instead, pat it gently, as to not dry your skin out, suggests Zinno.
11
Waiting Too Long To Moisturize
Be sure to not wait too long post-shower to apply your moisturizer. "Pat your skin dry, and then apply your moisturizers to help lock in moisture that was picked up during bathing," dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz tells Bustle. "The moisturizer should be applied liberally as a lotion over the body and a cream vehicle on the face."
Follow these tips, and experts say you'll be sure to feel clean, refreshed, and energized all day.
