How To Use Body Wash: A Simple Shower Routine for Men

Believe it or not, there’s a right way to use body wash. You don’t just slather it on, smear it around, and hope for the best. Learning how to apply body wash the right way can help you get healthier-looking skin without wasting soap. It all comes down to using the right technique (and products) and avoiding common washing mistakes that you might not even know you’re making. 

This article will teach you how to use body wash correctly, from the best water temperature to tips for keeping your skin healthy and clean. 

Choose the Right Body Wash for Your Skin

Getting a good clean starts before you even hop in the shower, when you’re assembling the products you’ll use. So, put some thought into choosing the best body wash for you, whether that’s bar soap or liquid. If you prefer a rugged feel, a bar soap with natural exfoliants offers a bit of extra grit. For a smoother glide, a liquid body wash is the way to go.

How To Use Body Wash Correctly: 5 steps

Once you’ve selected your products, hop in the shower to try out this five-step routine. 

1. Wet Your Skin With Warm Water

Get in a good rinse with warm water for at least 30 seconds to soften up hardened oils and loosen trapped dirt. Keep the water temperature comfortably warm throughout your shower, as hot water can strip your natural moisture barrier. Take this time to ponder philosophical ideas, sing into your toothbrush, or plot how to catch the roadrunner. It’s your time; do what you want with it.

2. Lather Up With Your Hands or a Scrubber

When your mind wanders back to the task at hand, arm yourself for a bacteria battle with your chosen body wash and hands or washing implement. A washcloth, loofa, or silicone scrubber will help create a more luscious lather, but your hands will also do the trick. Rub vigorously until foamy bubbles appear. While the bubbles themselves don’t actually do the cleaning, they help spread the soap evenly, trap the dirt, and make sure you don't miss a spot.

3. Rub Your Body Using Gentle Circular Motions

Whether you’re learning how to use body wash with your hands or an exfoliating tool, you’ll want to rub that soap onto your damp skin in firm but gentle circles. Step out of the direct stream of water while you scrub so you don’t wash all the product away before it has a chance to bind to the dirt and microbes on your skin. Scrub each major area of your body — chest, back, arms, legs — for 15 seconds. All in all, the process should take about a minute.

4. Rinse Your Skin Thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed every crack and crevice, rinse your body under lukewarm or cool running water for at least 30 seconds to remove all that soap. During this time, you can pick up where you left off with your shower thoughts or just mentally prepare yourself to reenter the dry world outside.

5. Pat Yourself Dry

Turn the shower off, grab your favorite fluffy towel, and gently pat yourself dry. Vigorously rubbing can irritate your skin, especially if it’s dry. And speaking of dryness, if you’re someone who experiences a lot of it, now’s the time to apply some lotion, too.

Common Body Wash Tips for Healthier-Looking Skin

Make washing your body part of your regular grooming routine to keep your skin happy and healthy. Here are a few tips to make the most of your showers:

• Keep your washing tools clean: Traditional mesh loofahs and washcloths are notorious for trapping dead skin cells inside, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Clean both regularly with equal parts white vinegar and hot water to keep them clean. Alternatively, switch to a silicone scrubber, which has fewer rough surfaces for bacteria to cling to and requires less frequent cleaning.

• Avoid over-exfoliating your skin: Let the soap and water do their job. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation and redness. Stick to using an exfoliating wash just one to two times per week.

• Limit your shower time: Keep your showers to five to 10 minutes. Being wet for long periods of time causes moisture loss.

Upgrade Your Shower Routine With Dr. Squatch

Now that you know how to use body wash correctly, it’s time to upgrade your routine. Whether you prefer a rugged natural bar soap or a rich liquid body wash, Dr. Squatch has you covered with products made with naturally derived ingredients. Choose from rejuvenating manly scents like Bourbon Barrel or Coconut Castaway to feel like a man and smell like a champion.

FAQ

Can You Use Body Wash Every Day?

Yes. However, you might want to change up the type you use from day to day. If you enjoy exfoliating, only use a gritty product once or twice a week to avoid irritating your skin. Choose a gentler formula on the days in between for a comfortable clean.

How Much Body Wash Should You Use?

If you’re using liquid body wash, a quarter-sized dollop is usually enough for most washes. If you’re going section-by-section, use a dime-sized amount for each area.