PRE-SHOWER: LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR RADIANCE

The pre-shower routine sets the stage for the beauty treatments that are to come in the shower and post-shower steps.

Hair: To prep your hair and scalp before your shower, consider a pre-shampoo treatment. These should be applied to dry hair before you step into the shower, and are meant to exfoliate the scalp and also to hydrate and protect the hair and scalp from being stripped of its natural oils by the cleansing steps. You can also apply hair oils and do a scalp massage for this pre-shower step.

Face: Some may choose to start with facial hair removal by shaving or threading or applying hair removal creams. Exfoliation with an at-home peel, scrub or decongesting mask is next in line. If exfoliation isn’t your thing, or if you just had a peel done by your dermatologist, you may opt to apply a face oil accompanied by a facial massage, with or without a gua sha tool or roller.

Body: Similar to the face, you may start with body hair removal using creams or epilation or shaving, followed by dry brushing or scrubs.

Expert tip: Dr Ho advises that while it’s tempting to do everything at once, it’s best to avoid combining potentially abrasive steps, such as scrubs and exfoliants. Instead, she suggests a thoughtful selection to minimise the risk of irritation, and replacing physical exfoliation, like body dry brushing and face scrubs, with safer, less harsh at-home chemical exfoliation options.

SHOWER: A SYMPHONY OF CLEANSING AND REJUVENATION

Stepping into the shower, the next phase of washing and revitalisation begins. The key here is to take your time and savour each step with a splash of refreshing water.

Hair: Your hair and scalp would be gently but thoroughly shampooed and conditioned or better still, a deep conditioning mask applied. You should leave it in your hair while you cleanse your face and body, before washing it off.

Face: Hair removal and exfoliation complete, it’s time to wash off any face masks or oils you have applied pre-shower. A gentle facial wash would do nicely here.

Body: Your skin would now be hair-free and sloughed. If you have applied any pre-shower lotions or oils, you’d now wash them off and finish with your favourite sudsy shower gel.

Expert tip: If you have applied makeup or facial oils for a massage pre-shower, Dr Ho recommends double cleansing for the face, using both oil-based and water-based cleansers. You may also want to do a final hair rinse using colder water to leave your hair smoother and shinier.

POST-SHOWER: UNVEILING THE GLOW

Stepping out of the shower, your journey is far from over. Here, the final touches come into play.

Hair: Your hair and scalp should now be well cleansed and ready for doses of scalp treatment and hair serum to seal in all the softness, shine and nourishment.

Face: After stepping out of the shower, gently pat your skin with a soft towel just for your face. Then apply your skincare leisurely, layer by layer. Toner or softener, serum, moisturiser or overnight treatment. If you’re heading out, don’t forget your sunscreen.

Body: Time to nourish your smooth, clean skin in your choice of body creams or lotions, massaging your skin as you go along.

Expert tip: When you step out of the shower, Dr Ho suggests gently patting dry with a towel, leaving the skin damp to enhance the absorption of moisturisers and skincare products. Of course, the products you use should be tailored to your skin condition and should ideally be products you have been using already to avoid the possibility of adverse reactions.

This article first appeared in Her World