When it comes to getting clean, you can find various ways to do it. In the past, all you just needed was a clean washcloth and a simple soap bar.
Today, however, there are plenty of body-care products such as shampoo, liquid soaps, body washes, and shower gels. You can also apply these products in different ways, including sponges, shower brushes, bath mitts, fancy loofahs, and many others.
In this article, here's everything you need to know about shower gels: when and how to apply shower gel, how much to use, the most effective method for applying shower gels, and how to pick the best gel product for you.
What is shower gel used for?
The shower gel is a cleansing product that you can use on your whole body. It's similar to soap, liquid soap, or body cleanser. It's simple to apply in various ways, using your hands, a wet washcloth, a shower scrubber, or even a loofah.
Shower gels can be used at any time, no matter whether you're starting your day with a morning shower or washing off the day's grime before heading to bed, shower gels are best!
Most shower gels are like liquid soap. The primary element is water, which is accompanied by sodium laurel sulfate and betaines. In contrast to soap, which uses lye as the cleaning agent, shower gels depend on synthetic detergents to cleanse your body.
-How to use Shower Gel properly?
Follow these easy steps to ensure you get the most effective results from shower gel.
- Turn on the shower - walk in
Make sure the water isn't too hot since this can damage your skin. If your skin is dry, lukewarm water is better. When you are sure that the water's temperature is suitable, you can step in.
- Pour the gel on a sponge, washcloth, or loofah
All you need is a drop, roughly the size of a quarter. Apply this amount onto either a loofah, washcloth, or sponge.
- Lather the shower gel
Massage and squeeze the cloth, loofah, or sponge until you get a thick foam or lather. It shouldn't take more than just a few seconds. It is important to remember that most eco-friendly and natural shower gels cannot produce more foam than other shower gels that are non-organic shower gels.
- Gently scrub yourself all over
Gently scrub yourself using circular motions. Be careful because over-scrubbing the skin can cause skin irritation. It's best to massage your body gently, like when using bar soap.
- Rinse thoroughly
Once you've scrubbed your whole body, wash it off with water. The warm water from the shower will likely already have cleaned off some of the shower gel suds. Be sure to rinse the rest off by turning around and also lifting your legs or arms.
- Get out and dry yourself
After you've rinsed your body, pat yourself dry using a towel. Let your body air dry. If your skin is typically dry, try leaving it slightly damp. This will allow it to reabsorb the moisture left on your skin.
- Consider applying a moisturizer
The last step is to apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and smooth. This is a great tip if you have dry skin.
What can you use to put the Shower Gel On?
The shower gel is different from soap. You need something to apply it as it's in liquid form. There are many ways to apply shower gel or body wash gel.
Sponge: Sponges are porous, an excellent way to lather your body wash, and gentle on your skin. Sponges are of two types that are synthetic sponges and natural sponges.
Synthetic sponges are made from plastic and are available in various sizes and shapes. Usually, a synthetic sponge is more soft than natural sponges. Natural sponges come from the sea and can be brown or tan colored. Sea sponges contain natural enzymes that stop mold, mildew, and bacteria from developing on the sponges. They are also hypoallergenic.
Pouf or loofah: Generally, the loofah is a kind of pouf made from natural sponge or netted plastic. Both are excellent for exfoliating. But a pouf tends to be a bit gentler on your skin.
Bath poufs: The bath pouf is a popular choice. You can purchase poufs in a variety of colors. Generally, they are made using plastic, but some are made from bamboo and different plant fibres. Poufs are soft on your skin and produce lots of lather from the shower gel.
Natural loofahs: These are sponges designed like a tube. They come from the luffa plant. They are excellent for removing dead skin cells because they are coarse-textured and fibrous.
How Much Shower Gel Do You Need to Use?
It depends on the particular product. Follow the instructions on the label. Most of the time, you only need a small amount, around the size of a quarter. It's not uncommon for people to use more than this. But that's a waste. Using too much can also be harsh on your skin and cause it to dry out.
How to Choose What Type of Shower Gel to Use?
There are a variety of shower gels and body washes you can purchase. Each has its own scent, qualities, benefits, and drawbacks. Some products are better for different skin types.
So what should you consider before buying a body wash or shower gel?
- Select a Shower Gel You like the smell of
Showering is the best way to get your body and mind relaxed. Using a scented body wash or gel is even more enjoyable. The smell can make the experience a pleasurable one.
Cool refreshing scents include mint, lemon, orange, and cucumber.
Relaxing scents include lavender, rose, and chamomile.
Sweet-smelling scents include cocoa butter, vanilla, strawberry, and passion fruit.
- Keep in mind your skin Type
Based on the type of skin type you've, you may need different things in your body wash, for example:
Dry skin: Think about using a moisturizing shower gel that contains added moisturizers. Do not use a heavily scented body wash.
Normal skin: Most body wash will work for this type of skin.
Oily skin: Search for a shower gel that has cleansing properties. Or, look for one designed specifically for oily skin.
- Consider Skin Sensitivity and Allergies
Skin sensitivities are an issue for many people but don't let it keep you off using shower gel or body wash. Your allergic reaction to some soaps can be caused by several factors, like specific chemicals or perfumes.
If you are looking for a shower gel, look for a fragrance-free product or one made with natural and organic materials or specially designed for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use shower gel daily?
It's perfectly fine to use shower gel every day.
It is recommended that you avoid using body wash gel on your face as facial skin is more delicate than the other parts part of the body.
Can I use shower gel as a bubble bath?
You can indeed make use of shower gel instead of the bubble bath. It's a fantastic lather if you add some shower gel to running water.
Can I use body lotion after shower gel?
Yes, you can. Apply the lotion right after getting out of the shower while your skin is slightly damp, and it will keep your skin moisturized.
Can I use shower gel to wash my hair?
Yes. You can use shower gel to wash your hair. However, it won't work as well as shampoo.
Can you use shower gel as shaving cream?
Yes. But it can make your skin slippery. It can also dull the sharpness of your razor quickly because shower gel doesn't wash off as easily as shaving cream.