Dermatologist Tricks for Simplifying Your Shower Routine for Gorgeous Skin and Hair

You’ve probably heard the buzz about the “everything shower.” It’s the ultimate pampering ritual where you cleanse your body and hair, shave, apply a face mask and more, turning your bathroom into a full-on spa. But let’s be real—with work, life, and everything in between, squeezing in a quick shower can feel like a win. That’s why we turned to New York City-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, for tips on simplifying your shower routine without skimping on the most essential parts. Follow her steps and you’ll never have to sacrifice the self-care you deserve.

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Shower routine step 1: Wash, hydrate, repeat

For healthy, radiant skin that feels as good as it looks, the way you cleanse your skin matters just as much as the products you use. “As we age, our skin tends to become drier and more sensitive,” notes Dr. Garshick. Using harsh cleansers depletes precious moisture, leading to even more dryness and irritation. She recommends a body wash with nourishing ingredients like moisture-magnet glycerin, soothing niacinamide and skin-strengthening shea butter. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Moisturizing Wash is a multitasker that cleanses, hydrates and protects skin with every use—plus—bonus points!—it can be used on the face and body. If you have eczema or ultra-dry skin, try showering every other day or apply body wash to just the underarms, groin, feet and visibly dirty areas.

Either way, post-shower care is equally important. While skin is still damp, hydrate with a moisturizing lotion or cream. Not a fan of extra steps? We get it! Try an in-shower moisturizer, such as Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer. “They can be a helpful step, especially for those who don’t remember to moisturize after getting out of the shower.” Just turn off the shower, slather the lotion on, pat dry skin with a towel and go.

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Shower routine step 2: Hair and scalp TLC

Just like skin gets drier in our 40s, so does the scalp, as its “ability to produce oils slows, which can lead to dryness or irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. She suggests using a shampoo that cleanses without stripping the scalp’s natural. Look for hydration powerhouses ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid—you can find all three in CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, which works for all hair types, including color-treated locks.

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While shampooing, treat yourself to a scalp massage. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also stimulates circulation to support healthy hair growth. Follow with a conditioner to keep hair soft and smooth. To avoid flat roots, apply conditioner from mid-lengths, letting it sit for two minutes before rinsing. Have an oily scalp? An exfoliating scalp serum can help remove dead, dry cells, oil, product residue and more. Try using Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum twice a week.

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Shower routine step 3: Buff and beautiful

Exfoliation is the secret for glowing, smooth skin—but it’s not an everyday must. In fact, overdoing it with harsh scrubs can damage your skin’s protective barrier, especially for those with mature skin, says Dr. Garshick. To reap the rewards, she suggests swapping your regular body wash for a hydrating exfoliating wash once or twice per week. A good one to try: Dove Gentle Exfoliating Wash. “Gentle, biodegradable microbeads effectively cleanse the skin while eliminating dead cells, improving skin’s texture and tone,” adds Dr. Garshick.

If you prefer to stick with your favorite body wash, just lather it up before applying, then buff onto skin with a body brush, such as EcoTools Bristle Bath Brush. The brush buffs away dead skin and helps detoxify your skin—all while getting you squeaky clean.