This is how you optimize your “everything showers”, according to dermatologists

People are improving their shower routines, trading their quick rinses for longer cleanses that touch on all aspects of personal hygiene. Dubbed “everything showers,” the trend has exploded on TikTok, garnering over 112 million views and counting.

All showering is exactly what it sounds like: instead of washing your hair and body, you clean it everything. Yes, there’s still shaving and shampooing, but there’s also deep conditioning masks, scrubs, and foot scrubs — not to mention pre- and post-shower routines.

Experts say an all-douche is a great way to take care of yourself while meeting numerous body and skin care needs. “While the shower primarily addresses physical issues, the therapeutic benefits of self-care can also improve mental health,” said Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York Health.

If you browse TikTok, you’ll find tons of suggestions for your do-it-yourself routine. Many people divide their entire shower into three parts: the pre-shower preparation, the shower, and the post-shower routine.

Use your prep time to set the mood. Put on some music or a podcast, light a candle, set out your hair and skincare items, and relax. The shower itself can include everything from the typical shower activities like shampooing and shaving to face masks, skin scrub conditioners, hair care masks and foot scrubs.

“You might consider using a cleansing shampoo once a week to remove excess residue and oil, using a nail brush to remove buildup from under your nails, using a hair mask to provide intense moisture and conditioning, using a foot rasp to remove calluses and use a body scrub to exfoliate,” suggested Dr. camp before.

Rebecca Marcus, MD, a dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates, emphasized the importance of washing your face last to remove any cosmetic products that may have gotten on your face while showering.

And if there’s one thing to focus on during your post-shower routine, it’s moisturizing (think lotions, serums, and oils). “Applying a moisturizer within two to three minutes of getting out of the shower seals the skin’s barrier and locks in moisture and moisture from the shower,” recommended Dr. Marcus.

Ultimately not the order of your shower tasks Really Matter, noted Vladyslava Doctor, MD, a dermatologist and owner of Skin Center Boston. “It comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual’s routine.”

There are a few things you should do to ensure your shower is more helpful than harmful.

The first step is to make sure you are using lukewarm water. The ideal temperature is between 98 and 105 degrees, explained Dr. Marcus. If the water is too hot, it can remove oil from the skin, leaving your skin dehydrated and irritated.

“Using hot water can trigger the release of histamine in the body, which can cause skin irritation and itching,” said Dr. Doctor. In fact, you could benefit from a cooler conditioner. Research suggests that cold showers—even if you turn the faucet on cold for just 30 to 90 seconds—can improve quality of life and work productivity.

Another important note: While you might see some people on TikTok saying their showers last up to four hours, you actually don’t want to be in the shower that long. “Spending too much time in the shower can strip the skin of oils,” explained Dr. camp.

You want to keep some oil on your skin because it helps keep it soft and moist. according to dr Camp, the ideal shower time is about 10 minutes. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to pay even more attention to how long your douche lasts. “It’s wise to limit shower time so as not to dry out your skin too much,” agreed Dr. Marcus to.

For most people, showering everything once a week is best. While frequency will vary based on each person’s schedule and personal hygiene needs, too many douches could become too irritating for your skin, noted Dr. camp.

Anything showered in moderation can be a great way to practice self-care. “Self-care is an important part of building your self-confidence,” emphasized Dr. Marcus, it “[it] means beauty that shines from the inside out.”