13 New Year Shower Upgrades That Make Skin Feel Softer

Starting the new year with a refreshing shower upgrade can make all the difference for your skin. As the weather shifts, your skin may need extra care to stay smooth and hydrated. Luckily, small changes to your shower routine can help soften and nourish your skin, turning each wash into a rejuvenating experience. From gentle exfoliators to hydrating shower gels, these simple adjustments can leave your skin feeling more nourished and cared for. Whether you’re looking for a new shower head or a moisturizing product, there are plenty of options to suit every need. A few thoughtful upgrades can elevate your daily routine and help you feel your best throughout the year.

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High Pressure Rainfall Shower Head

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A rainfall shower head can make daily washing more soothing. This type of shower head spreads water over a wide area so each drop feels gentle on your skin. Many people find that the steady flow helps water rinse soap and shampoo well without tugging at skin. A model like the Moen Banjo 8 Inch Rainfall Shower Head gives a warm spread of water that feels inviting after a long day.

That product is often priced around $70 which many find fair for the quality. It is made with sturdy materials that resist corrosion so it lasts months or years in wet conditions. Installing a rainfall shower head is simple and rarely needs special tools. Users can enjoy a quiet stream that seems calm yet washes clearly. This change lets you have a little spa feeling right in your own bath area.

Exfoliating Body Scrub Gloves

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Exfoliation helps wash away dead skin cells that can make skin feel rough. A pair of scrub gloves can give you more control than a brush or cloth. The Fripac Grata Exfoliating Gloves are a long lasting choice that cost around $15. These gloves slip on so you can rub in gentle circles over arms, legs, and back with better reach. The textured surface lifts dull surface cells while you wash with warm water and mild soap.

Many users say gentle exfoliation during weekly showers keeps skin softer and less flaky. You can rinse the gloves after each use to keep them clean. Using gloves makes it simple to touch every part of skin without strain. They are a low cost item that adds real feel good to washing time.

Moisturizing Body Wash

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A body wash with hydrating ingredients keeps skin from drying out during washing. Many gels strip oils which can leave skin tight or flaky. A product like the Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter is known for its richer feel and costs about $8. This body wash has creamy lather that rinses clean while leaving a light moisture layer on skin. Shea butter and other gentle cleansers soothe skin during use.

People who switch to this type report less need for heavy lotion after showering. It comes in large bottles so you can last many showers before refilling. A moisturizing body wash becomes more than cleaning it becomes part of comfortable skin care. This choice brings softness and calm right into your regular routine.

Shower Foot Scrub Mat

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Your feet take a lot of wear during the day and can build dry patches. A foot scrub mat placed at the shower floor lets you wash and rub feet without bending too far. The SlipX Solutions Teknik Scrub Shower Mat is one with firm bristles and costs about $20. Step on it gently then use your soap or shower gel to add a bit of glide.

The bristles help smooth rough spots and pop loose dry flakes painlessly. After use rinse it and let it air dry until next wash. A foot scrub mat fits most shower floors without glue or suction. Users often say they feel their feet are cleaner and softer each week. This simple item helps bring care to a part of the body that often gets ignored.

LED Shower Thermometer

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Water at the right warmth feels pleasant on skin without burning or chilling. An LED shower thermometer gives a visual read on water warmth so you can adjust before stepping in. The Hydrao Smart Shower LED Display is one example and is priced at about $35. It attaches near your shower head and lights up with colors that signal water warmth.

You can see at a glance if the water is too cool or just right. This helpful meter lets you save water too since there is less guess work while waiting for warmth. Many users appreciate the gentle glow which makes it easy to find soothing water at any time. This addition makes your shower feel more intentional and calm.

Soft Waffle Weave Shower Towel

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A towel that feels gentle on skin makes a difference right after washing. A waffle weave towel absorbs water well and feels airy against skin. The Utopia Towels Waffle Weave Bath Towel is priced around $25. This kind of towel spreads moisture into threads quickly and leaves skin feeling light rather than rough.

Many find the texture feels pleasant on damp skin compared with heavy terry cloth. The towel dries fast after use which helps keep it fresh. It comes in many colors so you can choose what fits your bath space. Wrapping up with a soft towel adds to the overall feeling of comfort after a warm wash. This towel stays soft through many wash cycles which makes it a good value.

Skin Softening Bath Oils

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Bath oils are a great addition to showers if you want to keep skin soft. These oils create a silky barrier that locks in moisture while you wash. The Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel, which costs around $8, contains oils that leave skin feeling smooth without feeling greasy. Its formula nourishes the skin as it lathers, making it perfect for dry skin.

The light fragrance lingers long after the shower, keeping you feeling fresh. The oil-based formula gently cleans without stripping essential oils from your skin, making it feel softer to the touch. This bath gel can easily replace traditional soap in your shower routine for a more moisturizing experience.

Shower Steamers

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Shower steamers are compact, aromatic tablets that dissolve in hot water, releasing soothing scents into the air. A favorite option is the Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Shower Steamers, which are typically priced around $15 for a pack of six. When placed on the shower floor, these steamers dissolve with steam, infusing the air with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.

The gentle scent helps to relieve stress and leaves skin feeling revitalized after each shower. Users often report that their skin feels refreshed and rejuvenated from the experience, which can elevate your whole shower routine. These steamers provide a spa-like atmosphere without needing a bath.

Shower Gel with Hyaluronic Acid

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Hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating properties, and when included in a shower gel, it can provide deep moisture to your skin. The CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid is priced around $12 and works wonders for dry skin. It’s formulated to hydrate as it cleans, ensuring your skin retains moisture after each wash.

This gentle formula lathers well and is perfect for those who need hydration without feeling greasy. It helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it soft and supple all day. Many users find that it reduces the need for heavy moisturizers after the shower, making it ideal for busy mornings.

Aromatherapy Shower Oils

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Shower oils are designed to melt into the skin as you wash, providing extra hydration and soothing aromas. The L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil is one of the top options, costing about $25. Its rich, smooth texture glides over the skin, turning into a light foam as you rinse. Infused with almond oil, it nourishes and softens skin while delivering a subtle, comforting scent.

This product not only cleanses but also leaves skin feeling deeply moisturized and refreshed. Users report feeling smooth, hydrated, and calm, with the fragrance lingering lightly on their skin after their shower. It is perfect for those seeking a more indulgent, spa-like experience.

Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo

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Olive oil is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties, making it a great addition to shower gels. The Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo is priced around $38 and offers a luxurious experience. Olive oil helps to hydrate and soften the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and moisturized.

The gel lathers well, rinsing away cleanly while leaving behind a delicate, soothing scent. Many users appreciate that it does not strip their skin of its natural oils, making it a good option for dry or sensitive skin. The rich formula adds a layer of softness to the skin, even in dry weather. Using olive oil-based shower gel is a gentle and effective way to keep skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

Gentle Exfoliating Shower Scrub

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Exfoliating shower scrubs help slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother and softer skin. The Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub is a popular choice, priced at around $8. This scrub uses natural sugar to exfoliate, while shea butter deeply hydrates the skin. It’s a great way to remove rough patches and allow fresh skin to shine through.

Many users find that it also improves circulation and gives their skin a healthy glow. The scrub is gentle enough for regular use, though some prefer to exfoliate once a week for best results. The scent is light and pleasant, and it rinses off easily, leaving skin feeling refreshed and soft.

Anti-Aging Shower Cream

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Anti-aging shower creams are designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines. The NIVEA Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream is priced around $7 and is a great addition to your shower routine. It’s formulated with Q10, which is known for its firming properties.

This cream absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth without greasy residue. Over time, many users report that their skin feels more toned and youthful. It’s a simple and affordable option for adding an anti-aging boost to your daily shower. The creamy texture makes it perfect for those who want a little extra moisture without the heaviness of a body lotion.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.