Rabat – There are regular showers. The “I have exactly seven minutes and one functioning brain cell kind.” And then there is the everything shower.
The viral self-care ritual is the full reset: hair washing, conditioning, exfoliating, shaving, body care and the post-shower routine that somehow leaves your bathroom looking like a Sephora aisle exploded.
But there is a strategy to doing it all.
Because an everything shower is not necessarily about using every product you own.
Dermatologists warn that too much scrubbing, excessively hot water, and layering multiple harsh products can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier.
So, if you’re ready for the full reset, here is how to do an everything shower in the right order.
Start with your hair
Get your hair completely wet before shampooing. If you are doing a hair treatment or mask, this is where it comes in, depending on the product’s instructions.
Shampoo first, then apply conditioner or your treatment. While it sits, you can move on to the rest of your routine instead of standing there staring at the shower wall and questioning every decision you’ve ever made.
Hair products can also leave residue on the skin, which is one reason many experts recommend doing your body cleansing after your hair routine.
Exfoliate, gently
This is where the everything shower can go very wrong.
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, but more scrubbing does not equal more glow.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends being gentle and avoiding over-exfoliation, which can lead to redness and irritation.
The best method and frequency depend on your skin type and the exfoliant you use.
If you’re using a body scrub, exfoliating glove or chemical exfoliant, this is the moment. Just don’t attack your skin like it personally offended you.
And if your skin is sensitive, irritated, sunburned or has cuts, skip the exfoliation entirely.
Shave after your skin has softened
If shaving is part of your everything shower, wait until your skin and hair have had time to soften in warm water.
Using shaving cream or gel can help the razor glide more easily, while shaving in the direction of hair growth can help reduce irritation and razor bumps.
The exfoliation-before-shaving combo may also help create a smoother surface, but again: gentle is the keyword.
Wash your body
Now comes the actual shower part.
Use a gentle cleanser or body wash, particularly if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive.
You do not need to scrub every inch of your body with three different soaps to be clean.
Also, keep the water warm rather than scorching hot. Hot water can dry out the skin, while dermatologists generally recommend shorter, warm showers for people dealing with dryness or irritation.
Save your face for last
Once the shampoo, conditioner and other hair products have been rinsed away, cleanse your face.
Doing this near the end can help remove any residue that may have travelled down from your hair products.
The shower may be over, but the everything shower is not
Gently pat your skin dry instead of aggressively rubbing it with a towel.
Then moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp. Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer after bathing to help trap moisture in the skin.
This is also your moment for the extras: body lotion, cream or oil, deodorant, skincare, leave-in hair products and whatever else makes you feel like you have successfully rebooted your entire life.
The real everything-shower rule
The internet may convince you that a proper everything shower requires 14 products, a body scrub, a scalp treatment, a hair mask, an elaborate shave and approximately two hours of free time.
It doesn’t.
A full routine can be a fun form of self-care, but it is not necessary for good hygiene.
Experts caution against overusing exfoliants and harsh products, and an elaborate routine may be better as an occasional ritual rather than an everyday event.
So consider this your permission slip to customize.
