In the midst of a morning routine, it’s easy to make small mistakes while showering that can affect your skin and hair. Tweaking your hygiene habits will make a big difference in the long run. Here are a few skin care tips and tricks to make your daily cleanse more beneficial:

If you have sensitive skin, showering with lukewarm water may be a good idea as hot water can be very drying and strip the skin of its natural oils. It’s also best to keep your showers short—around 10 minutes or less. Instead of harshly rubbing your skin with a towel, pat yourself dry. Moisturizing with a body lotion as soon as you step out of the shower will help lock in moisture to prevent dryness.

Washcloths and loofahs can harbor bacteria, mold and yeast, among other harmful things. Make sure you allow your loofah to dry completely each time and replace it frequently. If you cleanse with a washcloth, grab a fresh one every day and don’t use it on your face. This is very irritating to the skin and ends up causing dry areas, breakouts and even sores. Instead, cleanse your face with jane iredale Magic Mitt. This microfiber mitt removes dirt, oil and makeup with warm water alone. By eliminating the need for a cleanser, this advanced skin care tool protects the skin’s pH balance.

Shave in the middle of your shower after the warm water has softened the hair. Don’t skip shaving cream as this can cause nicks, cuts and razor burn. If you’re running low, conditioner also works in a pinch.

When it comes to your hair, there’s no need to leave conditioner on for a few minutes. Regular conditioners work by coating the hair to smooth and protect the cuticle, so the formula doesn’t have to further penetrate your strands. Deep conditioners are an exception, of course.

Don’t brush your hair in the shower. Hair is most fragile while it’s wet, so strands can break easily. Instead, run a brush through your hair before your shower and then again after you get out. Apply a leave-in conditioner to work through tangles, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.

Finally, make sure the advanced skin care products in your shower can take the heat. Some products should not be stored in humid, wet conditions. These are usually antioxidant-based or natural products. Check the labels and make sure they don’t need to be kept in a cool, dry place.

Do you have skin care tips and tricks that make showering easier? Share with us in the comments.