Upgrade Your Shower Routine: How I’m Getting My Skin to Smell and Feel Its Best

Lately, I’ve been treating my shower like a mini sanctuary. It’s no longer just about getting clean—it’s about feeling good in my skin, smelling amazing, and addressing the things I’ve quietly felt insecure about. One of those things? My underarms.

They’ve always been darker than the rest of my body, and for a long time, I felt self-conscious about it. Sleeveless tops? Avoided. Raising my arms? Hesitant. But instead of hiding, I’ve chosen to care. I’ve upgraded my entire routine, and it’s been a game-changer—for my skin and my self-confidence.

Here’s what I’m using and why it works.

1. Dry Brushing Before the Shower

Before the water even starts, I begin with the Bushbalm Dry Brush. It’s invigorating and helps exfoliate dead skin while boosting circulation. I especially focus on rougher areas like elbows, knees, and thighs. It preps my skin so everything that follows can absorb more effectively.

2. Gentle Full-Body Exfoliation (1–2x Weekly)

On exfoliation days, I reach for the Dove Pomegranate Body Polish. This gets used all over—arms, legs, back, and everything in between—once or twice a week. It’s creamy, not harsh, and the pomegranate scent is fruity and uplifting. My skin feels silky smooth after, without any irritation or tightness.

3. Shower Gels that Cleanse and Condition

I rotate between two body washes based on how I want to feel:

Moroccanoil Shower Gel – Rich, warm, and musky. This is my “grown and glowing” scent. It feels like luxury.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shower Gel – Tropical and creamy. Perfect when I need a mood boost or a hydration hit.

I use an African net sponge to apply both. It creates a rich lather and gently exfoliates, leaving my skin feeling deeply cleansed and smooth.

4. My Underarm Brightening Routine

This is where I’ve been the most intentional, and honestly, the most vulnerable. I’ve been using the Bushbalm Lavender Lemon Dark Spot 2-Step Routine—a limited edition brightening set designed specifically for dark spots.

It includes:

Lavender Lemon Exfoliating Scrub – I use this in the shower directly on my underarms. It’s gentle yet effective, and the scent is calming with a refreshing twist.
Lavender Lemon Dark Spot Oil – After my shower, I apply this to clean, dry underarms. It’s packed with natural oils that hydrate and gradually brighten the skin over time.

This combo has made a visible difference. The dark patches under my arms are slowly fading, and more importantly, I feel better about showing up as I am.

5. Locking in Moisture

Once out of the shower, I apply Gold Bond Healing Body Moisturizer all over. It’s hydrating, non-greasy, and long-lasting—everything I need to keep my skin soft, especially in dry weather.

The Results: Glowy, Confident Skin

Since upgrading my routine:

My skin is smoother, more even-toned, and smells amazing.
My underarms are getting brighter, and I’m learning to feel good in sleeveless tops again.
And my shower is now a moment of daily self-care I genuinely look forward to.

We all have things we’re working on—and that’s okay. For me, this isn’t just about the products (though they help!). It’s about giving myself the attention and grace I deserve. And if that means spending an extra 10 minutes in the shower? I call that time well spent.

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