Fourth step: Wash your hair

I do not wash my hair every day because that also takes away the scalp and strands of their oils. And it might take away your skin's oils too. On a self-care shower, though, absolutely on my list. After I come out from the shower, I feel like it is so well done; it even feels like I am a different person. I usually wet my hair and shampoo it as soon as I get into the shower, then rinse that off, while completing other steps of my routine with conditioner left in.

Step five: Scrub yourself from the neck down using a loofah and body wash

I know some people are big fans of bar soap, maybe because of nostalgia or maybe because of cheaper price points. While I am not saying to call out any of these budgetary decisions, I just really want to drive it home: how important pH-balanced body wash is to me and my routine. I don't think I have really had to deal with yeast infections or UTIs, but there is just something so soothing about knowing this body wash will help prevent that. Re: loofahs and washcloths, the flat round cotton-scrubber loofah is usually my go to-you know, with the strap for your hand.

Step six: Exfoliate using a gentle scrub, then shave your legs

I went in with that dry brush already, so I like to use a gentle scrub so I don't irritate my skin. I like things that are made with oils and granular substances, like sugar or salt, since it's more natural, yet still works well to take off that layer of dead skin. I like to do it right before shaving my legs, since the oils act somewhat like shaving cream; your skin feels super buttery right after, and it even remains that way after you've been in the shower. I'd say I do this two or three times a week.

Step seven: Rinse your conditioner out, then wash your face

This is pretty straightforward, but I'd be remiss not to mention it. My hair has been luxuriating in the conditioner up to this point, which is sure to provide it some shine and hydration. But it's time to wash it out, and I like to do it before I wash my face. Something about washing my face and then getting conditioner all over it seems wrong. Once I wash my face for a minute straight, I actually rinse my cleanser and then dry off. 

Step eight: Grab your favorite face mask, then finish your skincare routine.

I don't know about you, but there's something about slathering on a face mask that makes me feel instantly serene. Maybe it's knowing they can help even out my skin tone, or that some of them come jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, which is this crazy hydrating ingredient. I usually leave the face mask on for about 15 minutes, take it off, and pat my face gently to "force" the liquid inside. Then I continue with the rest of my routine: spray toner, apply serum, and apply moisturizer, sticking true to my slugging practice-yes, anointing my face in Vaseline, basically. 

The Best Products for Glowing Skin

Though I'm recommending these products, I always like to caveat that one has to find out what works for them. It's at least helpful, though, to have a place to start. Read on to get everything from body washes to exfoliating scrubs and dry brushes.

Maude Wash No.3

This is my go-to body wash, because it's pH-balanced and its formula features a lot of the vitamins skin craves. It's also super moisturizing, and it even doubles as a bubble bath-in case you really want to take that shower routine to the next level. This product is scented, with notes of sandalwood and eucalyptus that make you want to take deep breaths just for the smell of it. A paraben-free, vegan body wash? Yeah--I'll always have this in stock.

Available at Amazon

Nécessaire The Body Wash

What really initially drew me to Nécessaire's body wash is that it has almost a glittery sheen to it. I was convinced to buy it, though, because it contains vitamins A, C, and E-just great things to feed your skin. It also contains niacinamide, which actually firms the skin's barrier and helps with minimizing the appearance of pores. Admittedly, it's a little on the pricey side-considering you only get 8.4 ounces for $25-but the vegan formula and the fact that it's really hydrating make it a worthy splurge.

Available at Amazon

Dove Dry Skin Relief With Jojoba Oil Body Wash

This full 20-ounce product from this tried-and-true brand is great for folks who are on a budget. That being said, just because it is cheap doesn't mean it's any less nourishing than body washes with higher price tags. In fact, the body wash by Dove-just like its name states-features ever-moisturizing jojoba oil. I just like to take a quarter-sized amount and put it in the middle of my loofah, scrubbing my body for both cleaning and moisturizing at the same time.

Available at Amazon (Pack of 4)

Tree Hut Vitamin C Shea Sugar

First of all, I have to say that this is a kind of nostalgic product for me because I used it right from high school through to-date; its formula has actually held up if not gotten better with time. While there are a great deal of scents and formulations to choose from with Tree Hut scrubs, I like the Vitamin C scrub because it helps even my skin tone. It also contains shea butter to help moisturize and alpha-hydroxy acids for a chemical exfoliation. 

Available at Amazon

Asutra Invigorating Eucalyptus Body Scrub

Which brings me, at the end of a long day, to Asutra's body scrub. Aptly named, as the line features a dozen different scents, "Scrub the Day Away" incorporates good-for-skin ingredients such as Dead Sea salt, organic coconut oil, and aloe vera. This is, importantly, a body scrub-which is to say, it's not for your face. I take a usual quarter-sized amount and work that down my neck and chest. Then I take another scoop, this time scrubbing my back and tummy. I work all the way down to my feet, but watch out so you don't slip!

Available at Amazon

Nopalera Cactus Flower Exfoliant

Nopalera was a Mexican-American and woman-owned brand that made waves in the beauty game. One of its standouts is this cactus flower exfoliant, which literally defines multi-use. As you massage the exfoliant onto your skin, you're cleansing and moisturizing the skin simultaneously, and that's a sure-fire award-winning recipe for glowing skin. The star ingredient here is the prickly pear cactus, which cleanses and draws moisture to the skin. Plus, it smells phenomenal since it's scented with tangerine oil. This one has a glass container, so you're able to reuse it more easily.

Available at Amazon

CSM Dry Body Brush

This body brush gets the job done. As soon as I brush an area of my skin, it’s instantly softer to the touch. I suspect that’s because the brush is made with real boar hair. It’s tough and gentle at the same time. It’s also less than five inches in diameter and has a strap for your hand, making it easy to hold and use. 

Available at Amazon

Yiqingjie Body Exfoliating Scrubber

Of course, with this body scrubber being biodegradable, that's one thing to love about the loofah. It's made with a soft sponge and a towel-like cotton material that gets you clean and removes dead skin in the process. In order to use it, make sure you immerse it in water, as it can be a little tough when it's completely dry. When it has softened, apply your body wash over it and scrub down the body, starting from the neck and working downwards.

Available at Amazon

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