If you’re like most women, the shower is your sanctuary. Private, warm, comforting…it’s the ideal place to clear your head at the start or end of every day. But despite how perfect it seems, you may be missing a few things. Without working ourselves into too much of a lather, here are a few common shower slipups.
Showering too often. Washing your body too much depletes its natural oils, which leaves skin dry and flaky. Showering once a day during summer or every other day in winter (when humidity levels are lower) is plenty.
Showering too long. Long showers also wring natural moisture from your body. If you must linger more than 10 minutes, be sure to generously apply moisturizer afterward.
Cranking up the heat. The ideal water temperature for showering is 100 degrees. Anything hotter opens pores, siphons away body oil, and dries skin even more.
Sudsing up too much. The more suds that a soap generates, the more detergent it usually contains and the harsher it is on your skin. Unless you’re working on an oil rig, buy gentle cleansers such as Olay.
Not washing washcloths. Just like the sponge in your kitchen sink, your washcloth can attract unsavory characters faster than Cancun during spring break. Break out a fresh washcloth every time you shower. If you prefer loofahs, throw them in the dishwasher every few days to clean.
Forgetting to brush your hair. A few strokes before getting into the shower will help you deep-clean hair even better by loosening dirt, grooming products, natural oils, and other accumulated gunk.
Washing contact lenses. Believe it or not, tap water contains microorganisms that can ulcerate your cornea if they get trapped under your lenses. Only ever use sterile cleaning solutions. And even if you’re just wearing (not washing) your contacts in the shower, make sure to close your eyes when rinsing off to avoid any water (or soap or shampoo) sneaking in. If something does get in your eyes, remove and disinfect your lenses.
Showering after your workout. Here’s a nifty trick to get a better workout: Showering before exercise warms up muscles, which means you’ll be able to go longer and harder with less effort. If you’re careful, the shower is also an ideal place to stretch—again because the warm water makes ligaments and tendons supple. Try a gentle forward bend while letting the water strike your lower back.
Not singing. Singing in the shower—loudly and unapologetically—is a great way to relax. Even better: Tell off your boss, mother, or anyone else who’s griping you—out loud. The water may clean your body, but this cleanses the soul.
Now you’re ready to go.
I cant stop taking a hot showers.....so I guess I will have to apply a thicker layer of lotion.
Thanks
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
