1. Clean Your Shower (Like, Seriously Clean It)
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No one likes cleaning their shower. It's a burden that's just easier to ignore. But cleaning your shower prevents mold, which can lead to allergies or illness (and is just plain gross). You only need to clean it once a month but when you do, clean it like a boss.
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2. Shower in the Morning
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If at all possible, shower in the morning as opposed to the evening. It will make you look better throughout the day. And studies have shown that showering in the morning leads to better and more creative ideas. Wes Anderson writes all of his scripts in the shower. (I think. I may be making that up.)
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3. Face Mask BEFORE You Shower
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It's better to apply a face mask before you shower. Applying a face mask after you shower will dry out your skin faster and may irritate it more. FYI, applying a face mask in football is bad, too.
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4. Change Out That Loofah
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We know you love your loofah. But your loofah may not be loving you. A loofah you've had hanging around for awhile easily cultivates bacteria, which you are basically spreading all over your body the next time you use it. That can lead to medical problems as serious as staph infections. So if your loofah changes color or starts to smell, break up with that one and start dating another.
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5. Try a Filter Showerhead
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A filter showerhead eliminates the chlorine often found in tap water, which can often affect the health of your skin and hair. It's a little more expensive than using your regular showerhead, but if chlorine is a concern for you then this might be the trick. It's also super cool-looking, which is really important when purchasing a shower accessory.
6. Take Cold Showers
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It keeps you alert, it tightens your pores, it improves circulation, it can relieve depression, eliminate muscle soreness, and even aid in weight loss. It's also just a great thing to brag to your friends about, whom are probably not tough enough to handle a cold shower.
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7. Drink Coffee While You Shower
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It saves time, it perks you up, and it's just plain fun. Unless you get soap in your mug. Then it is the exact opposite of all of that.
8. Ease Up on the Lather
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Wheeee!!!! Bubbles are fun! But they can also strip your hair and body of its natural oils and lead to itchy skin. Try a more gentle cleanser that offers less lather. Then go outside and blow bubbles.
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9. Condition-Only Washing Your Hair
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Condition-Only Washing (or as the cool kids call it, "Co-Washing"), is the practice of cleaning your hair with conditioner only. No shampoo allowed. Typically going sans 'poo works best for dry or normal hair and if you do co-wash, be prepared to put in some work as it is a time-consuming project. But hey, anything for good hair, right? RIGHT?!
10. Don't Mangle Your Hair When You Shampoo
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No need to attack your hair like it said something snarky about you on Twitter. Massage your hair gently when you shampoo, using just the finger tips. Show your hair some love and it will love you back... in that good way.
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11. Exfoliate Only Once a Week
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Exfoliating your skin is a great way to eliminate dead skin cells and refresh your epidermis. Exfoliating your skin every day will irritate your skin beyond belief. Once a week will suffice.
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12. Don't Forget Your Feet!
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We all forget our feet when we shower. In our minds we figure that the trickle down theory will just somehow make our little piggies clean. Not so. Wash those bad boys. Cheese is for the fridge - not your toes.
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13. Pat, Don't Rub
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This guy's name is not Pat, but if it were we'd yell at him, "Pat! No need to rub your skin raw after a shower, bro! Pat dry your skin, Pat! Pat dry your skin!"
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14. Moisturize Immediately
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And once you have patted dry your skin, immediately put on moisturizer. Don't wait. Applying moisturizer to already damp skin will keep the skin hydrated longer. It will also keep it supple, which is one of the most fun words to say in the world.
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15. Maybe Not Shower Every Day?
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Showering every day may wash away some of your good bacteria and that may lead to infection. So feel free to skip a day when possible. Maybe only clean the areas where you need it the most... we'll let you decide what those areas are. No judgements.
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