Let’s be honest, there’s a difference between rinsing off and really showering. We’re talking about the kind of routine that leaves your skin feeling buttery-soft, glowy, and so moisturized you’ll wonder why you ever settled for a two-step cleanse in the first place. 

After some serious trial, error, and a little help from BeautyTok, I’ve nailed down a routine that actually makes shower time feel like a full-body facial. Here’s how to level up your rinse-and-repeat to a full-on self-care ritual.

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1. Start with dry brushing

This pre-shower step deserves more hype. Dry brushing helps slough off dead skin, boost circulation, and give your lymphatic system a little nudge in under five minutes. Use a firm-bristled brush and always brush upwards toward the heart. Take your time—it’s a ritual, not a race.

2. Ditch the loofah, use an African net sponge instead

@bellanomiskincare Replying to @intoxxicatedjojo “Isn’t it just an unraveled loofah?” We get that question a lot, so we unraveled one. Loofahs are flimsy, trap bacteria, and only last a couple of months. ❌ Our African Net Sponges are different: ✅ Handwoven with exfoliating knots ✅ Machine washable ✅ Quick to dry ✅ Long enough to reach your back and those other hard to reach areas ✅ Durable and can last up to 2 years And one of the most impactful factors for us: they’re sourced from a small business we partner with in Nigeria that has grown from a few makers to over 100 artisans with the rising popularity of the sponge. 🤎 We love educating our community on the benefits of African Net Sponges compared to traditional exfoliating tools. And we hope this helped you learn something new and feel excited to try one for yourself! #africannetsponges #africanexfoliatingnet #netspong #ditchyourloofah ♬ original sound – Bellanomi

TikTok strikes again. The African net sponge (also called a sapo) is the exfoliating tool you didn’t know your skin was begging for. It’s basically a long, stretchy mesh towel with tiny knots that gently scrub and smoothen your skin without being harsh. It’s more effective than a loofah, easier to clean (no more bacteria traps!), and makes reaching your back effortless. Just add your favorite bar soap or body wash and let it work its magic.

3. Exfoliate for the silkiest skin ever

After your pre-cleanse, go in with a dedicated body exfoliator. Whether you’re into a gritty sugar scrub or a chemical exfoliant with AHA or BHA, this step helps lift off dead skin and preps your skin for the smoothest shave of your life. Think of it as the glow-getting polish your body deserves.

4. Use a scented shower gel at the end

Here’s a tip: Save your most luxurious, fragrant body wash for last. After exfoliating and cleansing, your skin is more receptive to scent, and this simple timing switch makes it last longer. It’s like finishing your shower with perfume, minus the alcohol.

5. Add a body serum (yes, that’s a thing)

This body serum is packed with skincare actives like vitamin C, glutathione, and niacinamide—and they’re here to address everything from dullness to uneven tone. This one I’m loving from Nivea has the power of 50x vitamin C in one bottle, and it sinks in fast without the stickiness. Think smoother, clearer skin with actual long-term benefits.

6. Hydrate with a luxe body lotion

You could stop at serum, but why miss out on an extra layer of hydration? A rich body lotion locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling silky. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides for that buttery-soft finish that lasts all day.

7. Seal it all in with body oil

Now hear me out: I know it’s humid out there, but body oil doesn’t have to be heavy. Just a few drops on top of your lotion helps seal in moisture and gives your skin that post-facial glow. If you’re not a fan of the dewy feel during the day, apply this at night and wake up radiant.