When it comes to getting clean, there are various ways to do it. In the past, the only thing you needed was a clean washcloth and a bar of soap.
Today, there’s an abundance of body care products, such as liquid soaps, creams, body washes and shower gels. You can also use these products in various ways, like shower brushes, sponges, bath mitts, fancy loofahs, and many more.
In this article, you’ll find everything you must know about shower gels: when and how to use shower gel, how much you should use, the best method to apply shower gels, and how to choose the best gel product that suits your needs.
What is Shower Gel? – The shower gel is an effective cleansing product that you can use on your whole body. It’s similar to soap, liquid soap, and body wash. It’s easy to apply it in many ways using your hands, a wet washcloth, a shower brush, or even a loofah.
You can use shower gels any time. Whether you’re starting the day with a morning shower or washing off the day’s grime before going to bed, shower gels are a perfect choice!
What Is Shower Gel Used For? – Firstly, shower gel is usually used to cleanse your skin. As you apply shower gel on your body, it lathers up once water is added to wash away the build-up dirt, excess oil and bacteria from your skin.
To provide a relaxing experience at home, most shower gels are fragranced with a scent that’s relaxing in the shower. Whereas some medicated shower gels contain active skincare ingredients in their formulas to help keep skin issues in check like body acne or eczema.
If you want to add some moisture to your skincare routine, look out for shower gels or body wash with moisturizing skincare ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid and ingredients that help to lock in skin’s moisture like ceramides and shea butter.
How to Use Shower Gel Properly?
Follow these steps to ensure you get the most effective results from shower gel.
- Turn on the shower – step in
Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this can harm your skin. If your skin is dry, lukewarm water is better. Once the temperature of the water is appropriate, you can get in.
2. Put gel onto a sponge, washcloth or loofah
All you require is a small drop, roughly the size of a quarter. Squeeze this amount onto either a loofah, sponge, or washcloth.
3. Lather the shower gel
Massage and squish the cloth, loofah or sponge until you have a nice foam. It will only take just a few seconds. One thing to keep in mind is that most natural and organic shower gels do not make the same amount of foam as other non-organic shower gels.
4. Gently scrub yourself thoroughly
Gently scrub yourself using circular movements. Be careful as over-scrubbing your skin may cause irritation. It is better to massage your body gently, like when using bar soap.
5. Rinse well
After you’ve scrubbed your whole body, rinse yourself thoroughly. The warm water from the shower may already have cleaned off some of the shower gel suds. Make sure you wash the rest off by turning around and lifting your legs or arms.
6.Step out and dry yourself
After washing your body, gently pat yourself dry using a towel. Or allow your body to air dry. If your skin tends to be dry, consider leaving it slightly damp. This allows it to absorb the moisture left on your skin.
7.Consider applying a moisturizer
The last step is to apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft, smooth and healthy. This is a great suggestion if you have dry skin.
How to Use Shower Gel Without a Loofah
- Wet your hands
- Squeeze a small amount of shower gel into the palms of your hand
- Rub your palms together until the shower gel begins to foam
- Apply it all over your body
- Rinse off carefully
What Can You Use to Put Shower Gel On?
The shower gel is different from soap. You need something to apply it as it comes in liquid form. There are various ways to apply shower gel or body wash gel.
- Sponge: Sponges are porous, an excellent way to lather your body wash, and they’re gentle on your skin. Sponges are of two kinds: natural sponges and synthetic sponges. Synthetic ones are made of plastic and are available in different sizes and shapes. Most often, a synthetic sponge is softer than a natural sponge. Natural sponges come from the sea and can be brown or tan coloured. Sea sponges contain natural enzymes that help to stop mold, mildew and bacteria from growing on them. They are also hypoallergenic.
- Pouf or loofah: Generally, a loofah is a kind of pouf made from a natural sponge or netted plastic. Both are excellent for exfoliating. However, a pouf can be a bit gentler on your skin.
- Bath pouffes: You can purchase pouffes in a variety of colours. They’re typically made using plastic, but some are made using bamboo and other plant fibres. Pouffes are soft on your skin and can create a lot of lather from the shower gel.
- Natural loofahs: These are sponges designed to look like a tube. They come from the plant luffa. They are great for exfoliating dead skin as they have a coarse texture and are fibrous.
How to Decide What Type of Shower Gel to Use?
There are many kinds of body washes and shower gels you can purchase. Each has its own fragrance, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Some products are best suited for different skin types. So what should you think about before buying a shower gel or body wash?
Choose a Shower Gel You Like the Smell Of
There’s nothing like a shower to help you unwind and relax. Using a scented body wash or gel is even more enjoyable. The scent can make the experience a more enjoyable one.
- Cool refreshing scents include mint, lemon, orange and cucumber.
- Relaxing scents include lavender, rose and Chamomile.
- Sweet-smelling scents include chocolate, vanilla, passion fruit and strawberry.
Bear in Mind Your Skin Type
Based on the skin type you have, you may need different things from your body wash, for example:
- Dry skin: Think about using a moisturizing shower gel that has added moisturizers. Avoid using a strong-scented body wash.
- Normal skin: Nearly any body wash will work for this skin type.
- Oily skin: Look for a shower gel with cleaning properties or one designed specifically for oily skin.
Consider Skin Sensitivity and Allergies
Skin sensitivities can be an issue for many people but don’t let it keep you off using shower gel or body wash. Your allergic reaction to specific soaps may result from several things, like specific chemicals or fragrances.
If you are looking for a shower gel, search for a perfume-free product or one made with natural and organic ingredients or specially designed for sensitive skin.
Avoid shower gels that contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate in the ingredients list. It is a common ingredient that many people are allergic to. Look for an SLS-free shower gel.
Conclusion
Now that you know a bit more about how to use and apply the shower gel properly, you’ll have a better time enjoying the experience.
Use body wash and shower gel to clean and moisturize your body effectively. You only need a small amount while showering to get the best results.