How to Create the Perfect Shower Routine for Glowing Skin
Quick answer: For a shower routine that leaves skin looking more radiant, keep the water warm rather than hot, use a gentle body wash, exfoliate two to three times a week and moisturise within a few minutes of getting out, while your skin is still slightly damp. A long-handled brush such as the Thin Lizzy Pure Perfection Body Brush makes the exfoliating step easier, including on your back.
Your daily shower is one of the easiest places to make a difference to how your skin looks and feels. A few small changes, like turning the temperature down a notch and moisturising at the right moment, can be the difference between skin that feels tight and looks dull and skin that feels soft and looks fresh. Here's a simple routine you can start tomorrow.
Why Your Shower Routine Matters for Your Skin
- Hot water dries skin out: very hot showers strip away the natural oils that keep skin feeling comfortable, and skin tends to get drier with age.
- Dry, flaky skin looks dull: a build-up of dry surface skin scatters light, so gentle exfoliation helps skin look brighter and feel smoother.
- Timing matters for moisture: moisturiser applied to slightly damp skin helps hold in hydration far better than lotion on skin that's already dried out.
- Harsh soaps can leave skin tight: a gentle body wash cleans without that squeaky, stretched feeling.
What You Need for a Glowing-Skin Shower Routine
- A gentle body wash: look for a creamy or soap-free formula, particularly if your skin is dry or sensitive.
- An exfoliating tool: a body brush, mitt or soft scrub. A long-handled brush means you can reach your back too.
- A soft towel: for patting, not rubbing.
- A body moisturiser: a rich cream for dry skin, or a lighter lotion if you prefer.
Our Pick for the Exfoliating Step
Pure Perfection Body Brush (Rechargeable)
Best for: gentle head-to-toe exfoliation, including your back, as part of your regular shower.
The Pure Perfection Body Brush leaves skin feeling clean and exfoliated, and turns an ordinary shower into a spa-like experience at home. Its four interchangeable heads each have a different feel, so you can go gentle on your back and a little firmer on rough heels. The extended handle helps you reach every part of your body with ease, and it's rechargeable, so there are no batteries to replace.
- Four interchangeable heads
- Extended handle for hard-to-reach spots
- Rechargeable design
The Perfect Shower Routine, Step by Step
- Set the temperature: choose warm, not hot. If your skin is pink when you get out, the water was too hot.
- Keep it short: five to ten minutes is enough. Long, steamy showers dry skin out.
- Cleanse gently: use a small amount of gentle body wash, focusing on the areas that need it most.
- Exfoliate two to three times a week: on exfoliating days, use your body brush with a little body wash in small, light circles. Start at your feet and work up, then do your arms and back. Use the softest head on delicate areas.
- Rinse well: rinse off all body wash, as leftover residue can leave skin feeling dry.
- Finish cooler if you like: a quick rinse of cooler water at the end feels refreshing and leaves skin looking invigorated, but skip it if you'd rather not.
- Pat dry: press a soft towel against your skin rather than rubbing, and leave it slightly damp.
- Moisturise within three minutes: apply body lotion or cream straight away, paying extra attention to shins, elbows, knees and heels.
Adjusting the Routine for Dry or Mature Skin
Skin tends to get drier as we get older, so a few tweaks help. Exfoliate less often, perhaps once or twice a week, and always with light pressure. Choose a richer cream over a light lotion, and consider a body oil on very dry patches. When the heater is on and the air indoors feels dry, turn the shower temperature down a little more and moisturise every time you shower.
Don't Forget Your Face
The shower is a convenient time to cleanse your face, but keep the water off your face lukewarm and avoid letting a hot stream run over it. Use your facial cleanser rather than body wash, and pat dry gently. Apply your facial serum and moisturiser straight after, while the skin is still a little damp.
Common Shower Mistakes to Avoid
- Scrubbing too hard or exfoliating every day.
- Using a brush or loofah that never fully dries out between showers.
- Waiting until you're dressed to moisturise.
- Exfoliating skin that's sunburnt, broken or irritated.
Want more on tools and skincare? Read our guide to choosing a back brush for the shower and why makeup removal matters.
What Customers Say
"The interchangeable heads, give me a good range of uses. I feel so pampered & my skin feels wonderful when I use it."
Rhonda T., Thin Lizzy customer
"Leaves your body feeling great and it doesn't take for ever to wash yourself, feels great too"
Agnes A., Thin Lizzy customer
"Easy to use and very comfortable makes showering effortless"
Sam T., Thin Lizzy customer
Read all Pure Perfection Body Brush reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I exfoliate in the shower?
Two to three times a week suits most skin. If your skin is dry, sensitive or mature, once or twice a week with light pressure is usually enough.
Are hot showers bad for your skin?
Very hot water can strip away natural oils and leave skin feeling dry and tight. Warm water is kinder, and keeping showers short helps too.
When should I moisturise after a shower?
Within about three minutes, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps your moisturiser hold in hydration so skin feels softer for longer.
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night?
Either works. A morning shower is refreshing, while a night shower washes off the day and gives your body moisturiser time to sink in overnight. Pick the one you'll stick with.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy body brushes in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Glowing skin starts with the basics: warm water, a gentle wash, regular but gentle exfoliation and moisturiser on damp skin. Get those right and your daily shower becomes a small, pampering routine that leaves your skin looking and feeling better.
