We spend a lot of time in the shower, but are you making the most of it? If not, we’re here to help! Whether you shower first thing in the morning to start your day or right before bed to unwind, here are some self-care tips for an amazing shower experience.
How to Take a Shower:
Want soft, hydrated, glowing skin? It starts in the shower. So, let’s talk a little about how to shower the right way! Here are 3 things to consider before stepping in.
Keep Water Temperature in Check
Hot water feels great in the moment, but it can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and dull. The cooler the water, the more your skin retains its natural oils.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Exfoliating is key for removing dead skin cells and revealing your natural glow. So, don’t forget to do it year-round! For warm-weather vibes, check out our Sea Salt & Pacific Kelp Body Wash. For an energizing citrus kick, go for our Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Body Wash!
Apply Lotion Immediately After
Want your skin to hold onto hydration? Apply your body moisturizer as soon as you step out of the shower when skin’s still damp. Bonus points if you pick one of our St. Ives smoothing, soothing, reviving, or refreshing body lotions!
Things to do in the Shower:
Showering doesn’t just have to be about getting clean. While you’re in there, why not get a jumpstart on your day or use that time to relax? Here are some things to try.
Plan Your Day
White noise has been shown to improve your memory. Since the sound of your shower is pretty close, try setting your goals for the day. For an extra boost of concentration, reach for a body wash with an energizing scent like St. Ives Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange.
Meditate
Instead of turning your brain on, try turning your thoughts off and having a moment of Zen. Just close your eyes, feel the warm water against your skin, and breathe deeply. You’ll feel relaxed in no time!
Sing
You can also just do something fun like belting out a tune. It may seem silly, but one study found that singing can actually boost your mood! We don’t know about you, but our singing voices definitely sound better in the shower.
Tips for a Relaxing Shower:
Meditation is a great way to relax in the shower but it’s not the only way! Here are some other ideas for turning your shower into a spa moment.
Listen to Something Chill
Make a playlist of your favorite relaxing songs or find a soothing soundtrack. You can even put on nature sounds which have been shown to help you de-stress.
Reach for a Relaxing Body Wash
Another way to bring the stress-reducing benefits of nature indoors is by using a body wash that is crafted with natural extracts. For example, made with 100% natural oatmeal and shea butter extracts, our Soothing Body Wash calms your body and mind while wrapping you in an indulgent and creamy lather.
Turn Down the Lights
It’s not easy to relax under blaring LED lights. So set the mood by dimming the lights in your bathroom or lighting a couple of candles. The flickering warm glow will help you take things down a notch.
There are so many “a-peeling” things about physical exfoliation, and we love the power it has to make your skin feel refreshed. Our St. Ives Board-Certified Dermatologist partner, Dr. Claire Wolinsky loves the benefits of physical exfoliation as much as we do, so we asked her to share the advantages of this important step in your skincare routine, all year round!
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Fact: Working out is a great way to burn off stress and boost your mood. That’s because exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels (aka the body’s stress hormone) and release endorphins (the body’s happy hormone). And when you do it in a park, the woods, a beach or any natured-filled space, you get the added benefits of nature!
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How do you deal with stress? If you opt for exercise, meditation, yoga, or journaling you’re on the right track. But do these activities out in nature, and their stress-lowering benefits go to the next level. In fact, just 15 minutes with nature is proven to have a serious de-stress effect!
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Curious to know why we love nature so much? Because it has serious benefits and is seriously fun! From lowering stress levels to boosting your mood, keeping you healthier to helping you focus, it’s the cure-all we all need to tap into more.
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