Latest news with #personalHygiene
CNA
09-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Are you showering in the right order? Here's a smarter way to do it to get better results
We know what you must be thinking: You've been showering for almost as long as you've lived – surely you already know how to go about it? Sure but what you might not be aware of is that there's a way to sequence the cleansing processes such that each is done more thoroughly and effectively. Have you ever considered which part of your body to give priority to, or have you never really given much thought to that? We use many different types of products in the shower, from shampoo to conditioner to body wash to facial cleanser as well as other personal hygiene products. Each product impacts the other, and therefore, also determines the effects of your shower routine. In order to get the most out of it, it's worthwhile to pay careful attention to each step of your cleansing ritual. GO FROM TOP TO TOE Why should you begin your shower by washing your hair? Water carrying the residue from your shampoo and conditioner is likely to run down your face when rinsing off – you don't want these remnants to be deposited on your face. Hair products that are formulated to treat your hair are not intended for the skin on the face. 'Residue from hair products like shampoos, conditioners can cause skin problems, especially for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. These products often contain silicones, oils and fragrances that can clog pores or irritate the skin if not thoroughly rinsed off,' said Dr Shirley Kwee, medical director of Cambridge Medical Group. The same is true when it comes to skin on the body, since water from rinsing your hair will also run down your body. 'The back and chest are areas where many individuals experience body acne or folliculitis, and residue from shampoo and conditioner can contribute to these concerns. Failing to cleanse thoroughly can lead to accumulation of this residue on the skin's surface over time, and result in breakouts or irritation,' added Dr Kwee. FACIAL CARE IN THE SHOWER Washing your face after you're done with your hair will ensure that these residues are removed thoroughly from the mien. If you wear makeup and are accustomed to using a cleansing oil or balm to take it off, it's perfectly fine to do so in the shower. Follow with a facial cleanser that's suited to your skin type – this will effectively remove any remaining dirt, sebum and rinse off product residue from hair-washing, and give your pores a deeper cleanse. When washing your face in the shower, it's a good idea to lower the temperature of the water. The hot water that may feel good on the body might be too harsh for your face, stripping facial skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry or irritated. 'Overly hot showers can aggravate skin inflammation for individuals with conditions like eczema, rosacea or acne. Using lukewarm or cold water in the shower is generally better for maintaining skin hydration and preventing flare-ups,' advised Dr Kwee. BODY CLEANSING, EXFOLIATING AND SHAVING Dry brushing should be done on dry skin, and before your shower, so that any skin debris sloughed off during brushing can be washed away. Follow up with body wash or gel to cleanse the body. On the other hand, physical exfoliation with granular body scrubs should be done after you are done with washing your body. Your soap or shower gel works to get rid of dirt on the skin's surface, leaving it clean and ready for exfoliation. Often, body scrubs are formulated to be lightly scented and emollient, and are therefore intended for use after washing. If you need to shave your legs, it's a good idea to do so post-shower. The hot water and steam can help open hair follicles and soften the hair, so as to allow you to get a smooth and close shave. This can also help prevent razor burn and bumps from developing post-shave. HOW TO DRY OFF PROPERLY Do you need to use different towels for different areas of the body? It isn't an absolute must. However, if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, consider using a separate towel for the face since it's possible that the products you use on your body may leave some residue on the body towel and you don't want to transfer any of that to the face. If you're accustomed to wrapping your long hair with a towel after a shower, try a water-wicking hair towel that can help your hair dry faster. DON'T FORGET POST-SHOWER CARE To keep skin supple and hydrated, apply body lotion right after a shower or bath. Skin needs hydration, no matter if you have normal or dry skin, because hot water, as mentioned above, can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously with your towel. The key is to leave your skin slightly damp – instead of completely dry – putting body lotion on damp skin, as opposed to dry skin, helps skin absorb the moisturising ingredients more effectively and locks in hydration. According to Dr Kwee, the skin has a higher water content on its surface when it is still a bit damp after showering. Moisturisers create a barrier over the skin that helps "trap" this surface moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss, which refers to moisture evaporating from the skin.
Health Line
31-05-2025
- General
- Health Line
Is It Better to Shower in the Morning or at Night?
No research suggests that morning showers are necessarily better for you than night showers or vice versa. It comes down to preference because both have benefits, depending on your schedule and lifestyle. You might step into the shower every morning because it helps wake you up, or you might take a shower at night to wash the day away. But scientific evidence supporting one type of shower over the other is limited. It really just comes down to preference. Health and wellness touch everyone's lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Does it matter what time you shower? You don't need to align your shower with a certain time of day for health benefits. Either, depending on your preferences, can be good for you. Benefits of a morning shower You may find that you benefit from a morning shower if you: Need a morning pick-me-up: Not everyone rises in the morning feeling ready to go. If this sounds like you, a warm (not hot) shower may help. You might also want to try turning the water to cold for a moment as an extra wake-up call. Want to start the day fresh and clean: Your bed contains sweat, skin cells, and skin oils, and showering in the morning sends this residue that you might have picked up overnight down the drain. Style your hair: If you wake up with unruly hair, you're not alone. A morning shower can help reset your hair, especially if you use hair products that call for application on wet hair. Benefits of a night shower However, if going to bed clean rather than starting the day clean is more your style, you may benefit from a night shower. Some benefits of showering in the evening may include: Removing a day's worth of dirt: Your skin picks up bacteria and grime whenever it comes in contact with something or someone. Showering at night stops this gunk and other topical skin care products you might apply throughout the day from getting into bed with you. Cleaner sheets: If you go to bed clean, you won't have to worry about your sheets getting dirty as fast. But your sheets will still inevitably get dirty over time. Night showers go to bed clean cleaner sheets potentially better sleep Showering tips (no matter the timing) Consider some of these pointers the next time you shower for potentially even more benefits: Use warm water: Hot water (above 104°F [40°C]) may feel good, but it's more likely to dry out your skin and aggravate inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema. A hot shower may also raise already high blood pressure. Add a blast of cold water at the end: Though it might not sound the most pleasant, a dose of cold water may help promote healthy skin and hair, increase circulation, and wake you up (if needed). Use gentle soaps and cleansers: Opt for gentle body washes instead of harsh scrubs and heavily scented products, especially if you live with an inflammatory skin condition or have sensitive skin. Limit your showers to 5 to 10 minutes: A long, hot shower at the end of the day may sound relaxing, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, try to limit your showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, especially if you have dry skin or an inflammatory skin condition. Pat your skin dry: After your shower, try not to rub your skin, as this can dry it out and damage its moisture barrier, which is what helps your skin hold onto moisture. Instead, gently pat it dry. Follow up with a moisturizer: To lock in moisture, try applying a gentle moisturizer within a few minutes of toweling off. Be sure to connect with a healthcare professional if you live with an inflammatory skin condition, have chronic dry skin, or another skin disorder before changing your shower habits. We polled some of our staff to help get a better sense of where the Healthline team stands on this conundrum. See the results below and what some of them have to say. 'I grew up in Asia, where everyone takes at least one shower, and the one at night is nonnegotiable. The reason? You don't want to bring all the sweat and dirt to your clean bed. I guess it also helps reduce the need for frequent washing of the bed sheets.' — Louisa Wah, editor 'I need [a morning shower] to clear the fog and get my day started. Some of my most productive work ideas happen during that time!' — Heidi Smith, Real Appeal manager 'I think of showers as a way to wash away the day and help my mind reset for bedtime. I also really don't like getting into bed with the dirt of the day still on me.' — Megan Severs, senior editorial director 'I work out and walk my dog in the evening, so it fits better in my schedule to shower at night and wash away the sweat and grime from being outside! Plus, there is nothing like getting into a clean bed after a hot shower :)' — Victoria Torrez, senior influencer marketing manager 'I need to be clean before I get into bed! Plus, it has become part of my nighttime routine and helps my brain recognize that things are winding down.' — Sara McTigue, senior editor, Bezzy 'I feel very strongly about [night showers]. I have a 'shower lamp' that has very soft lighting, and my showers are steaming hot, so I'll fall asleep if I do them in the morning. I also want to be clean before I get in bed. It doesn't sit right with me having everything built up from the day get on my sheets, especially if I worked out or spent a long time outside.' — Sarah Choi, associate editor
