It feels like a new phrase is added to our lexicon almost every day, but in recent weeks it seems like “every shower” has been high on the list of new terms we should know. It’s no exaggeration to say that. Their ubiquity is perhaps unsurprising given that baths are in decline, with only 32 per cent of Brits still preferring baths to showers, according to a recent survey.
On the other hand, showers, including “anything showers,” are becoming popular. Pinterest has revealed that shower-related searches on its website have increased significantly year-on-year, with the term “shower routine aesthetics” increasing by 460%. And on TikTok, #ShowerTok has surpassed his 6.1 billion views, making him one of the most searched terms on the platform in 2023. Showers are more energy and cost effective than baths, but judicious water consumption is still something we all need. Please keep this in mind. With that in mind, it pays to plan your power shower strategy. Here’s how:
Preparation before shower
Make the most of your time in the water by tackling certain tasks before your shower. Pre-shampoo treatment is essential to save dry, brittle and damaged hair. Soak your hair in something like Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer to nourish your hair and improve its condition, strength, and shine.
While the magic is working, it’s time for some body brushing. Using a long-handled brush (it’s important to reach between your shoulder blades), brush firmly over your dry skin in long, smooth strokes upwards toward your heart. This not only exfoliates the top layer of dead cells to reveal soft, smooth skin underneath, but also stimulates blood flow and the lymphatic system, which in turn improves immune health.
Before a shower is also the best time to apply a face mask because it can be washed off with water without making a mess. Plump your skin with your favorite formula depending on your skin concerns. However, the skin-softening steam from the shower raises the bar for unclogging clay-based masks. Outset’s Purifying Blue Clay Mask removes impurities and brightens the skin.
underwater routine
If your skin needs more polish after being in the water, use a different exfoliant. We love Naturium’s The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash. It combines the cleansing properties and sloughing effects of salicylic acid, a BHA that helps unclog pores. If you prefer luxurious products to perfunctory products, try shower oils. Diptyque’s Do Son Shower Oil is an intoxicating concoction of tuberose and orange leaf that, as its name suggests, will help you with “every shower.” It also makes an excellent partner for a luxurious shaving routine, leaving skin moisturized and supple. Perfect if you need to moisturize after a shower. Meanwhile, Augustinus Bader’s latest work combines style and substance. The body cleanser uses the brand’s signature TFC8 technology to target, treat, and cleanse your body’s skin.
Washing your face in the shower is something most of us do, even though experts say we should avoid it. To prevent skin dryness and irritation from too hot water, lower the temperature and be sure to remove product while cleansing. Wipe carefully with a clean towel to avoid dragging the delicate skin. Elemental Herbology’s Five Elements Vital Cleanse improves skin tone and texture while adding radiance to the skin. If you can do it right, keeping the water cold (or even colder) until the end is a great way to get an endorphin boost after your shower.
After washing off the hair mask, use a scalp scrub to remove excess product that has built up in your hair follicles. Ouai’s Scalp & Body Scrub is a heavenly scented multi-tasker with probiotics to help maintain scalp health. How to power-shower shampoo and conditioner? Check out Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Achieve volume, body, and thickness in just one wash.
This article was first published in British VOGUE.