Body Care 101: Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Taking a Shower

When people start their day with a shower, they don't give too much thought to this activity. After all, the process itself is simple: you turn on the water, soap up, rinse and use a towel to dry your body.

Although a cleansing and nice shower is a healthy activity for your body, you could cause more harm than good if you're not doing it correctly. It would be best to fix your bathing habits, so the time you spend in the bathroom is excellent and refreshing for your body.

Here are seven mishaps you should avoid when you take a shower:

1. Taking Long and Hot Showers

When the temperature dips to subzero or freezing temperatures during winter, you may assume that a long and steamy shower is a good idea to beat the cold. Although the feeling is excellent, this comes at a cost.

Extended showers can dry out your skin by stripping away the essential moisture on your pores. Rather than spend 30, 20, or 15 minutes showering in the bathroom, try to limit your time to seven minutes. You prevent washing away the good oils your skin needs - and save money on water heating bills.

Also, keep the temperature of the water below 110 degrees. Consider cutting down your shower time or adjusting the temperature if the hot water makes your skin dry and dull.

2. Shampooing Your Hair Every Day

Some people think that the oil on their scalp is making their hair appear greasy. The greasy look pushes them to wash their hair every day. Consistent washing, however, may result in excessive oil production.

Instead of shampooing your hair and scalp daily, wash them less frequently. If you have delicate, fair, or thin hair, shampoo it twice a week to achieve moisture balance and maintain natural oil production.

3. Washing Your Hair Too Hard

Although you need to give both your scalp a fair and thorough scrub, you should avoid scrubbing it too vigorously. Doing so can cause inflammation, irritation, and bleeding, which could result in an infection. When washing your hair, use your hands to glide over your scalp with minimal rubbing.

4. Using the Wrong Shower Products

Wrong products aren't just limited to expired shampoo or soap. Even if your body wash smells fragrant and makes you feel good after using it, you should still take the time to read the product's list of ingredients. Soaps and shampoos, for instance, may contain chemicals that aggravate skin disorders or irritate the skin.

When shopping for body care products in the supermarket, opt for organic or all-natural products. Also, avoid buying products that contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as mercury and formaldehyde.

5. Skipping Your Feet

When you shower, your feet come into contact with excess soap and water. You may think that this is enough to get your feet cleaned. However, not washing between your toes could make you prone to foot problems, such as the athlete's foot and fungus. So, remember to clean your feet thoroughly with mild soap.

6. Failing to Rinse Properly

Before you grab your towel, you need to rinse off the soap products on your skin thoroughly. Leaving behind residue can result in clogged pores and skin irritation. Check your body and wash away the soap that's lingering on your skin.

7. Not Replacing Your Washcloth or Sponge 

The accessories you use in the shower, such as a loofah, sponge, or washcloth, should be clean. If you notice an unpleasant smell or mold on these showering accessories, wash or replace them.

Be more mindful about showering by taking note of these common mistakes. Avoiding these mishaps will allow you to enjoy a clean and healthy shower.