How to Have a Healthy Personal Care Routine: 14 Steps (2024)

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Co-authored byAlex Dimitriu, MD

Last Updated: March 2, 2023References

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1. 1

   Brush your teeth. Keeping the surface of your teeth clean can prevent cavities and gum disease.^[1]

   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
   • Brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums and in circular short back-and-forth motions.^[2]
   • Brush for at least 2 minutes. Make sure to brush your molars, outer tooth surfaces, and inner tooth surfaces.^[3]
2. 2

   Brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath by removing bacteria and food particles.^[4]

   • Use your toothbrush bristles or a tongue scraper. Some toothbrushes have a tongue scraper on the back.

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3. 3

   Cleanse your face. Washing your face daily will remove accumulated dirt, bacteria, and oil.^[5]

   • Buy a suitable cleanser for your skin type. You can get varying cleansers based on whether your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive.
   • Wet your skin and massage the cleanser on your face.
   • Gently wash off the cleanser with warm water.
4. 4

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   Use a toner. A toner can furtherbalance and replenish yourskin by adding nutrients.^[6]

   • Saturate a cotton pad with the toner and pat onto face, avoiding your eye area.
   • You can also apply the toner with clean hands, if you do not have cotton pads.
5. 5

   Moisturize your skin. A moisturizer rehydrates and softens your skin after cleansing.

   • Pick a suitable moisturizer for your skin type. Use cream, or oil-based moisturizer for dry skin. For oily skin, use gel or water-based moisturizer.^[7]
6. 6

   Wear sunscreen. UV light from the sun can cause skin cancer or add more wrinkles.^[8]

   • Choose a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.
   • Apply sunscreen evenly 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
   • Reapply sunscreen at every 2 hours, especially if you are participating in outdoor activities like sports.^[9]

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1. 1

   Eat healthily. Poor nutrition can increase susceptibility to gum diseases. Improving your diet can prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.^[10]

   • Limit acidic beverages like soda and fruit juices. Food acids can erode the teeth enamel causing cavities.
   • Reduce sugar intake like ice cream, brownies, and cookies. Bacteria can ferment sugar and produce acid that will damage your teeth.
2. 2

   Drink more water. Dry mouth occurs when you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, which can lead to tooth decay and infection.^[11]Drinking water can further hydrate your skin, and rid your skin of toxins.^[12]

   • Drink 8 glasses of water.
   • Set a reminder to drink water, or carry a water bottle with you.
3. 3

   Floss after meals. Flossing allows you to clean the tight spaces between your teeth and gums, which can prevent build up bacteria that cause plagues and gingivitis.^[13]

   • Use about 18 inches of dental floss. Hold floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
   • Gently guide the floss up and down between your teeth. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it against one tooth, making a c shape.^[14]
   • Floss one tooth at a time.

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1. 1

   Take a steam shower. Warm, steamy showers can increase blood flow, improve immune function, and ease muscle aches and pains. A steamy, night shower can also help you sleep.^[15]

   • Turn on the hot water in the shower.
   • Close the bathroom door and windows to capture steam and increase humidity.
   • Lower the water temperature from hot to warm. Go in and shower.
2. 2

   Keep it short. Showering for too long can strip the skin of oils and moisture, resulting in dry, flaky skin.^[16]

   • Shower for 5 to 10 minutes.^[17]
   • You could time your showers with a music playlist or an alarm.
3. 3

   Moisturize your body. After showering, you should rehydrate your skin with a moisturizer to prevent dry skin.

   • Use lotion or oil-based moisturizing cream.
   • Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of showering to allow better absorption of the moisture.
4. 4

   Repeat your skincare routine.

   • Cleanse, apply toner, and moisturize your face again.
5. 5

   Repeat your dental routine.

   • Brush your teeth and tongue.

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