Did you know that showering for over 10 minutes can dry out your skin and allow dirt in (Heather Muir Maffei, July 2023, Real Simple, "Yes, There is a Right Way to Shower")?
By adopting a proper shower method, you can achieve a healthier skin and maximize the benefits of hygiene.
The Correct Shower Method and Its Benefits
Have you ever wondered why your skin feels dry even after a shower? The answer might lie in your showering technique. Interestingly, 64% of individuals report showering at least daily. Are you one of them? Our guide will show you how the correct shower method can solve them. Let's jump in!
Importance of Proper Shower Method
How to Shower Properly
1) Get the water temperature right
Before you jump in, check the water temperature.
Warm water is ideal—not too hot, not too cold. Why? Because warm water opens pores, making it easier to clean and unclog them (New Vision, March 2017, "How to Take a Shower the Right Way").Avoid turning up the heat too much. Overly hot showers can deprive your skin of essential oils. So, aim for just the right warmth.Treating your body with the right temperature sets the tone for the entire shower experience.Phases of warm water shower
a) Warm-up phase
Starting with a warm shower isn't just a preference for many; it's beneficial.Warm water helps relax tensed muscles and set a calming mood. It also prepares the skin and hair for the cleansing process.Warm water delivers the best results (Rebecca Norris, 2020, Martha Stewart, "Optimal Shower Water Temperature for Your Skin").It's like a gentle introduction, telling your body, "Hey, it's time to refresh."b) Cleansing phaseWarm water is a cleansing champ because it helps open up pores, ensuring a deeper clean.With pores widened, dirt, oil, and toxins are more easily removed.“Water in general, can help remove excess oil from the skin, to minimize [your pores] appearance by removing the blockages within them” (Dr. Zeichner, May 2023, Skin Care).And if you're using soap or a cleanser, warm water aids in lathering. It ensures that your products work at their maximum potential.c) Cooldown phaseAfter the warm-up and cleansing phase, it's time for a cooldown.Cold water helps shrink the pores. It prevents them from being easily clogged by environmental impurities.It is also better for hair, skin, and overall hydration. In some cases, it can even be used to treat depression (Rebecca Norris, November 2020, Martha Stewart).It also helps seal in moisture, ensuring the skin doesn't dry out post-shower. Plus, let's face it, that burst of cool water is invigorating!Benefits of contrast showers
A contrast shower alternates between hot and cold water for anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes (Lauren Zakrajsek, March 2020, Nifs Healthy Living Blog).
Not only does this shock the system (in a good way) but it also offers unique benefits:a) It boosts your blood circulation. Hot water dilates blood vessels while cold water contracts them, creating a pumping action that boosts circulation.b) It enhances your immunity.Improved blood flow means better oxygen and nutrient delivery. It strengthens the body's defenses.c) It improves your mental alertness.That switch between temperatures? It’s a wake-up call for the brain. If you need a jolt to start your day, this is it.d) It recovers your muscles.Athletes swear by it. Alternating temperatures can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after a workout.
2) Start from the top of your body.
Begin by wetting your hair thoroughly. This makes applying shampoo and distributing it evenly easier (Dr. Sandy Johnson, Shower Gem, "The Shower Routine That Experts Recommend").
Then, work your way down.It ensures that dirt and grime flow downwards effectively.
3) Shampoo and condition your hair.
Apply a shampoo on your hair. Distribute it evenly. Then, rinse it off.
After which, apply a conditioner. Then, rinse it off as well.According to health experts, using a conditioner gives your hair a silky feel and protects it from damage (Jacquelyn Cafasso, July 2020, Healthline).It's like giving your hair a mini treatment everyday.
4) Wash your face.
Your face also needs special care.
Use a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt without causing dryness (Jennifer Worick, 2022, Everyday Health, "10 Rules for Washing Your Face").Remember, your face is sensitive. Scrubbing too hard or using harsh products can lead to breakouts or irritation.5) Wash the rest of your body.
Use a body wash or soap that's right for your skin type (Kathryn Watson, September 28, 2020, Healthline).
If you have a sensitive skin, go for a fragrance-free, mild cleanser. But if you have an oily skin, look for something with oil control properties.
6) Wash your feet and toes.
These often-neglected areas deserve love too.
Use a foot scrub or brush to remove the dead skin cells on your feet (Jennifer Hussein, 2023, Allure, "Best Foot Scrubs to Buff Away Dry Skin").Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes. It is where moisture can be trapped, leading to fungal infections.7) Rinse off.
Lathering up is only half the job. So, after cleaning the entire body, it’s time to rinse everything off.
Doing so ensures no soap residues, which may cause dryness or irritation, are left on your skin (Kristi Pahr, August 28, 2018, Healthline).8) Set water temperature to cold.
Consider adjusting the water temperature slightly lower for a quick cold rinse.
This tightens your skin and pores, seals in moisture, and gives you that refreshing feeling (Herbal Dynamics Beauty, June 9, 2023).9) Dry off gently.
A more effective method of drying yourself after a shower is to pat the towel on your body gently.
Rubbing too hard can cause skin irritation and even lead to micro-tears (Emily Slawek, 2023, Today, "How to Shower the Right Way").Patting ensures that you retain the moisture you’ve just sealed in.
10) Moisturize your skin.
Lock in that post-shower hydration with a good-quality lotion or body oil.
Then, for the face, a lightweight moisturizer does wonders (Dr. Sandy Johnson, Shower Gem, "The Shower Routine That Experts Recommend").And you've just given your skin a treat! Now, seal the deal.Benefits of Implementing the Correct Shower Method
In a 2019 study, people who took a warm bath for 10 minutes, about 1 to 2 hours before bed, slept better than those who didn't (Deborah Weatherspoon, April 7, 2021, Healthline, "How a Cold Shower Before Bed Affects Your Sleep").
1) It improves your sleep.
Your sleep improves after taking a shower because warm water relaxes your muscles. The subsequent cooling of the body afterward signals that it's time to catch some sleep.
Psalms 127:2 (KJV) says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”2) It relieves your stress.
A good shower helps reduce stress and melts away tension (Health Hub by Valley Oaks, November 2022, "How Showers Help with Mental Health").
It also eases muscle tightness and provides a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of life.3) It improves your blood circulation.
Correct shower method promotes blood circulation (AJ Therapy Center, 2023, "5 Healthy Ways to Improve Circulation and Movement").
Improved circulation aids in muscle recovery, reduces pain, and even increases metabolic waste elimination."A bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved...for the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of the blood through all the blood vessels is obtained" (Ellen White, Healthful Living, 227.3).4) It cleanses your body.
This method guarantees the elimination of dirt, bacteria, and toxins. It leaves you fresh, clean, and ready to face the day or slide into bed without a hitch.
“Scrupulous cleanliness is essential to both physical and mental health. Impurities are constantly thrown off from the body through the skin. Its millions of pores are quickly clogged unless kept clean by frequent bathing, and the impurities which should pass off through the skin become an additional burden to the other eliminating organs” (Ellen White, Child Guidance, 108.2).This aligns with the idea of 2 Corinthians 7:1, which speaks about cleansing ourselves from all filthiness.5) It enhances and cleanses your skin.
Showering with appropriate rinsing and temperature control keeps the skin healthy and hydrated (Hannah Nichols, November 2017, Medical News Today).
Warm water opens your pores. Effective cleansing removes dirt and oil, reducing blackheads and acne (Luba Lee, May 2021, WikiHow, "How to Cleanse Pores").6) It makes your hair healthy.
Correct shampooing ensures even distribution of shampoo and conditioner.
It keeps your hair healthy, reduces its breakage, and maintains its natural shine. It also strengthens and nourishes each strand with essential nutrients.So, maintain the cleanliness of your hair by shampooing wisely. But make sure you choose the right shampoo (Harvard Health Publishing, "Skin and Hair," 2023).7) It boosts your immunity.
Alternating between hot and cold water can help boost your immune system.
How? Well, change in temperature improves blood flow. It also helps remove body toxins and keeps your skin healthy to fight off infections (Aroma Sense USA, 2023).But remember that showering isn't enough to stay healthy. It's just one of several healthy habits.8) It promotes relaxation.
A good shower helps you relax.
It's a short break that gives you refreshment (Calm Moment, “How to Meditate in the Bath or Shower”)!With this relaxing effect of a good shower, your body feels completely recharged to resume your everyday labor (Ellen White, Prayer, 213.4).9) It energizes you.
An early morning cold shower kickstarts your day with a refreshing feeling. If you’re a morning person, you will probably agree with this.
It wakes your senses, and leaves you feeling invigorated and ready to conquer the world.It also increases your motivation and productivity, and promotes a sense of accomplishment (Wellness Workdays, Aug 21, 2020).Indeed, a shower is more than just a daily chore. Done right, it’s a blend of therapy, a beauty regimen, and a wellness routine.How Long Should You Shower
Did you know that the world record for the longest shower was 341 hours and 10 minutes, set by Kevin McCarthy in 1985? That's over 14 days (Jim Shea, February 2017, Stamford Advocate, "Shower vs. Bath. You Decide")!
Let’s find the sweet spot for shower duration and frequency.1) Daily showers
For many, a day always begins with a morning splash. Daily showers are a norm, and they're especially beneficial for:
a) HygieneIf you go out everyday and get dirty or sweaty, taking a shower daily helps you stay clean.b) RoutineShower signals the start or end of a day, providing structure to many.But, a note of caution: Daily showers, especially long and hot ones, can dry out the skin. If you’re a daily shower enthusiast, keep the water warm (not hot) for about 10 minutes. And don’t skip the moisturizer after."Frequent bathing is very beneficial, especially at night just before retiring, or upon rising in the morning” (Ellen White, Healthful Living, 227.2).2) Short showers
Short showers (5–7 minutes) are efficient and eco-friendly. They reduce the risk of drying out your skin.
You become clean without wasting water and too much of your skin's natural oils.This yields healthy skin and hair (Krant Ploch, Dr. Lauren Ploch, 2023, Today, "Shower the Right Way").3) Non-daily showers
It might sound alien to some, but many cultures and individuals opt for non-daily shower routines.
Here's why:a) It benefits dry or sensitive skin by maintaining essential oils. Taking showers less frequently helps preserve natural oils, benefitting those with dry or sensitive skin."Twice a week she should take a general bath, as cool as will be agreeable, a little cooler every time until the skin is toned up” (Ellen White, Healthful Living, 228.1).b) It proves to be eco-friendly.Decrease water consumption for a more environmentally friendly impact.4) Post-exercise showers
After a solid workout, a shower proves a refreshment.
But it's not just about the feeling. It’s more on for the following benefits:a) It helps maintain your hygiene.Sweating can cause bacteria buildup, leading to body odor and potential skin issues.Sweat is washed away when you shower. Dead skin cells that can host bacteria are also removed (Kathryn Watson, August 25, 2020, Healthline).b) It relaxes your muscles.Post-exercise shower helps relax your strained muscles and narrow your blood vessels.Also, it helps remove the tiredness-causing lactic acid that builds up in your muscles during exercise (BeautyHub.PH Team, November 11, 2021, "Take a Bath After a Workout").c) It aids in recovery.After a workout, a shower eases sore muscles and reduces swelling with cold water. It also rinses off sweat, avoiding skin issues. It helps you heal quickly and feel clean (Mira Showers, March 9 2023, “Showering After a Workout”).Wrapping It Up
Embracing the right shower method means finding a balanced way to cleanse your body, which boosts your well-being.
By following the steps we’ve just discussed, you can enjoy the benefits of having a healthier skin, more regulated blood circulation, and a more peaceful relaxation.Learn More by Subscribing to Us!
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