Pre-shower preparation

If your skin needs some extra buffing once you’re under the water, then go in with another exfoliator. We like Naturium’s The Perfector Salicylic Body Wash, which combines cleansing properties with the sloughing benefits of salicylic acid, a BHA which helps to unclog pores. If you prefer your products to be more pampering than perfunctory, try a shower oil. Diptyque’s Do Son Shower Oil is a heady concoction of tuberose and orange leaves and really helps an “everything shower” live up to its name. It also makes a great partner for a luxe shaving routine and leaves skin feeling hydrated and supple – ideal if you’re pushed for moisturising time post-shower. Meanwhile, Augustinus Bader’s latest launch combines style and substance. The Body Cleanser uses the brand’s signature TFC8 technology to target, treat and clean the skin on your body, too.

Although experts tell you to avoid it, cleansing your face in the shower is a habit most of us indulge in. To save your skin from drying out or becoming irritated by overly hot water, turn the temperature right down while you cleanse and always remove product carefully with a clean washcloth to avoid dragging the delicate skin. Elemental Herbology’s Five Elements Vital Cleanse helps improve the tone and texture of skin while imbuing it with radiance. If you can manage it, keeping the water cool (or, better still, cold) until the very end is an excellent way to finish your shower and boost endorphins.

Once your hair mask is rinsed off, go in with a scalp scrub to rid your follicles of any excess product build up. Ouai’s Scalp & Body Scrub is a heavenly scented multitasker powered with probiotics to help maintain scalp health. And to elevate your shampoo and conditioner to power shower status? Look to Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, which deliver volume, body and thickness after just one wash.