There are two common methods for drying off after a shower: towel drying and air drying. The debate continues on which is superior, but both have their advantages. Experiment to find what suits you best. One thing is certain, we all aim for a dry body without sacrificing skin moisture.
Essential Steps
Towel Drying
- Keep a fresh towel readily available. Your bathroom towel harbors a significant amount of bacteria due to its damp environment and contact with organic material. Follow these guidelines to maintain towel hygiene:
- Avoid sharing towels with others.
- Wash towels at least weekly or more frequently if used during strenuous activities.
- Launder towels in hot water.
- Use bleach when possible to eliminate bacteria.
- Replace towels when they lose color or develop a musty odor.
After shower, gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Avoid harshly rubbing with a towel as it can damage your hair and cause frizz. Consider using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt for drying. For long hair, try a towel turban: flip your head down, wrap the towel around the base, twist, and tuck at the nape of your neck.
Gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing vigorously. Rubbing can irritate your skin and lead to flakiness. Start from the top and work your way down, being gentle to avoid irritation.
Ensure thorough drying after your shower. Hard water can be harsh on your skin, leading to damage and premature aging. Absorb as much water as possible before air-drying or using a towel. Consider a filtration system if you're concerned about water quality.
Lock in moisture with ointment or cream immediately after showering. These products are more effective than moisturizers and less likely to cause irritation. Applying right after a shower helps seal in moisture for softer skin.
Opt for Air Drying
Squeeze excess water from your hair using your hands. Starting with your hair prevents water from dripping as you dry. For long hair, wring it out a few times. Air drying is gentler and healthier for your hair compared to heat styling.
Use your hands to wipe water off your body, starting from the top and working downwards. Ensure to remove every droplet, especially if you have body hair, by swiping against the hair growth direction.
Employ a fan, towel, or hairdryer to dry yourself off. Opening doors or turning on bathroom fans helps remove moisture from the room. Dryers and fans are useful for drying hard-to-reach areas and dense body hair like armpits and groins.
Be cautious when exiting the shower. Step onto a bath mat to avoid slipping on the wet bathroom floor, which could lead to injury.
Apply ointment or cream immediately after showering to maintain skin moisture and combat dryness effectively.
Helpful Tips
- Opt for ointments containing oil to replenish lost skin oils.
- Choose gentle, unscented skincare products.
- Prefer warm showers over hot ones.