Grooming Hacks

Every hack is checked against a cited source · open the link to see where it comes from.

• 🧴

  Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day

  Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 min before sun, and reapply every 2 hours.

  1. 1🧴SPF 30+ broad-spectrum
  2. 2⏱️15 min before sun
  3. 3🥃A shot glass for body
  4. 4🔁Reapply every 2 hrs

  Steps

  1. Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), and water resistant.
  2. Apply about 15 minutes before going outdoors so your skin can absorb it.
  3. Use enough: roughly 1 ounce (a shot glass) for your body, and at least 1 teaspoon for your face.
  4. Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.

  Why it works

  Most sunburns happen because people use too little sunscreen or skip reapplying. Daily, generous use protects against UV damage.

  Good to know: Sunscreen is one layer of protection; also seek shade and cover up. Not a substitute for medical advice for high-risk skin.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology
• 🧴

  Brush 2 minutes, twice a day, with fluoride

  Brush for about 2 minutes twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.

  1. 1🪥Soft brush + fluoride
  2. 2📐45-degree to gums
  3. 3⏱️About 2 minutes
  4. 4🦷All tooth surfaces

  Steps

  1. Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  3. Move the brush in short, gentle, tooth-wide back-and-forth strokes.
  4. Cover the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

  Why it works

  Twice-daily brushing for two minutes removes plaque and, with fluoride, lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.

  Source: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
• 🧴

  Spit, do not rinse, after brushing

  Spit out toothpaste after brushing and skip rinsing so fluoride keeps working.

  1. 1🪥Brush 2 min
  2. 2😮Spit out paste
  3. 3🚱Don't rinse
  4. 4🛡️Fluoride stays on

  Steps

  1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for about 2 minutes.
  2. When finished, spit out any excess toothpaste.
  3. Do not rinse your mouth with water straight afterwards.
  4. Avoid mouthwash right after brushing; use it at a different time, such as after lunch.

  Why it works

  Rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride left on your teeth, reducing its protective effect against decay.

  Source: NHS
• 🧴

  Clean between your teeth once a day

  Floss once a day, curving the floss into a C shape against each tooth.

  1. 1🧵About 18 in floss
  2. 2✌️Wind on fingers
  3. 3🔤Curve into a C
  4. 4↕️Rub up and down

  Steps

  1. Floss once a day to remove plaque and food a brush cannot reach.
  2. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most around one middle finger.
  3. Guide it between teeth with a gentle rubbing motion, never snapping it into the gums.
  4. At the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth and rub up and down; use a clean section as you move along.

  Why it works

  Even the best toothbrush cannot clean between teeth; daily flossing prevents plaque buildup that leads to cavities and gum disease.

  Good to know: Flossing should not cause pain; if bleeding or discomfort persists, see your dentist.

  Source: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
• 🧴

  Moisturize while your skin is still damp

  Apply moisturizer right after bathing while skin is damp to lock in water.

  1. 1🚿Shower or bath
  2. 2💧Skin still damp
  3. 3🧴Fragrance-free cream
  4. 4🔒Locks in water

  Steps

  1. After a shower, bath, or handwashing, gently pat skin until it is just slightly damp.
  2. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
  3. Gently massage it in to help seal in the water.
  4. Reapply during the day whenever your skin feels dry.

  Why it works

  Applying moisturizer to damp skin traps the water already there, which helps relieve and prevent dry skin.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology
• 🧴

  Use warm, not hot, water and keep showers short

  Limit baths and showers to 5-10 minutes and use warm water to protect skin.

  1. 1🥵Skip hot water
  2. 2🌡️Warm water
  3. 3⏱️5-10 minutes
  4. 4🧴Moisturize after

  Steps

  1. Limit baths and showers to about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Use warm water rather than hot water.
  3. Gently pat skin with a clean towel afterward.
  4. Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp.

  Why it works

  Long, hot showers strip the skin's natural oils; warm, short showers help the skin hold on to moisture.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology
• 🧴

  Pat skin dry instead of rubbing

  Blot skin gently with a clean towel after bathing rather than rubbing it.

  1. 1🤚Pat gently
  2. 2🚫Don't rub
  3. 3💧Stay slightly damp
  4. 4🧴Moisturize now

  Steps

  1. After bathing, take a clean, dry towel.
  2. Gently pat or blot your skin instead of rubbing it.
  3. Leave the skin slightly damp.
  4. Apply moisturizer right away to lock in the remaining water.

  Why it works

  Rubbing can irritate already dry or sensitive skin; patting dry is gentler and leaves moisture behind for your moisturizer to seal in.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology
• 🧴

  Shave in the direction the hair grows

  Wet skin, use shaving cream, and shave with the grain to cut irritation.

  1. 1💦Wet and soften
  2. 2🧴Shaving cream
  3. 3⬇️With the grain
  4. 4🪒Fresh blade often

  Steps

  1. Wet your skin and hair to soften it (right after a shower is a good time).
  2. Apply a shaving cream or gel.
  3. Shave in the direction the hair grows.
  4. Rinse the razor after each swipe, and change blades or toss disposable razors after about 5 to 7 shaves.

  Why it works

  Shaving with the grain on softened, lubricated skin helps prevent razor bumps and razor burn.

  Good to know: If you are prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, talk to a dermatologist about a routine for your skin.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology
• 🧴

  Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

  Swap to a fresh soft-bristled brush every 3-4 months, or sooner if frayed.

  1. 🪥Fresh soft bristles
  2. 🌿Frayed? Swap by 4 mo

  Steps

  1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (firm or medium bristles can harm gums and enamel).
  2. Replace it every three to four months.
  3. Replace it sooner if the bristles are frayed or splayed.
  4. Check kids' brushes more often, as they may wear out faster.

  Why it works

  A worn toothbrush does not clean teeth as well, so timely replacement keeps brushing effective.

  Source: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
• 🧴

  Wash your face gently with your fingertips

  Use a gentle cleanser and fingertips with lukewarm water, then pat dry.

  1. 1🌡️Lukewarm water
  2. 2👆Use fingertips
  3. 3🚫Don't scrub
  4. 4🧻Pat dry

  Steps

  1. Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a gentle, non-abrasive, alcohol-free cleanser with your fingertips.
  2. Avoid washcloths, mesh sponges, and scrubbing, which irritate skin.
  3. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
  4. Wash twice a day, morning and night, and after sweating heavily.

  Why it works

  Gentle cleansing with fingertips and lukewarm water cleans the skin without the irritation caused by scrubbing or harsh tools.

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology