Right now you’re probably thinking “….there is a wrong way to shower?” It turns out that there is. If you’re doing any of these six things, you might actually be stepping out of the shower in a worse condition than when you stepped in.
1. You’re Not Finishing With Cold Water
After a steamy shower, your pores will be nice and open for all kinds of gross stuff to enter in. Splash cold water on your face to tighten them and wake yourself up. You should also give your hair a quick rinse in cold water to seal your hair cuticle and get shinier, healthy-looking hair.
Source: Material & Konzept
2. Using a Loofah
Loofahs stay moist (I know, sorry) in the shower and are a breeding ground for bacteria, which you then vigorously scrub all over your body. If using a loofah is essential to your routine, thoroughly rinse and wring it out after each use and store it outside of the shower. Be sure to bleach or replace your loofah often to prevent bacteria buildup!
Source: Amelia Liana
3. Not Changing Out Your Products
Be honest, when was the last time you checked the expiration date on that body scrub you’ve had in the corner of the shower since you were 15? Expired products are breeding grounds for bacteria, and ones you store in your shower are especially gross since they’re prone to mildewing — no thanks. Before your next shower, check your products for a small jar icon with a number inside, this is the number of months the product is good for before it needs to be tossed.
Source: Jennifer Garber
4. You’re Using Gross Water
Often times, the water coming out of your faucets is not the most purified liquid in the world. It can include chlorine, bacteria build-up in the shower head, and other gross chemicals that you definitely don’t want to wash your hair in. Invest in a shower filter for a spa-like experience, and get clean knowing dirty water isn’t pouring on your head.
Source: Whiteoak Construction
5. Your Water is Too Hot
Do you like your shower to be Mordor levels of hot? SAME. However, this can dry out your skin, causing itchy dry spots that aren’t good if you want healthy, glowing skin. If you step out of the shower and your skin is red and blotchy, you know your shower was too hot.