Whether you’re hopping in for a full-blown everything shower or a 5-minute clean, showering is part of your daily(ish) routine. But just because you’ve been doing it for years doesn’t mean you’re doing it correctly. Yes, according to dermatologists, there is a right way to shower.

For starters, you should aim to shower between three to seven times per week in order to clean—not strip—your skin. And while a long, steamy shower might sound amazing, it’s not so great for your skin. Derms recommend using warm (not hot) water and capping your shower time to 10 minutes. This will help keep your skin barrier intact so it can keep the good (moisture!) in and the bad (pollution!) out.

When it comes to shower steps—face washing, shampooing, shaving—derms agree that the order in which you do them matters too, especially if you’re worried about breakouts or razor bumps.

The Best Way to Order Your Shower

Before you even get in, gently brush your hair—it’s less damaging to detangle hair when it’s dry—or put on a shower cap. Turn on the water, step in, and then… 

Shampoo and condition your hair

If you’re washing your hair, thoroughly wet it and pour a dollop of shampoo into your palm: dime-size for short hair, nickel-size for medium, half-dollar-size for long. Sulfate-free shampoo is best for anyone with dyed, coily, or frizzy hair or a sensitive scalp, because it can be less drying. Massage your shampoo into your scalp and rinse. Work another dime-size dot through the length of your hair and rinse again. Then apply a dollop of conditioner (based on hair length, as above) to the bottom two-thirds of your hair; rinse. Regarding how often to wash your hair, let your scalp guide you, and only wash your hair when it’s greasy so you don’t strip out natural oils, says Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. “Fine types can go two or three days between washes, while tightly coiled types that tend to be drier can go up to seven days to help reduce breakage.” 

Wash your body

Doing this after your hair ensures that your conditioner will be washed away. If it’s left on, it can trigger zits. Work from neck to toe. “It’s important to wash all parts of the body, including the armpits, feet, legs, and private areas, as bacteria and sweat can accumulate in these areas and cause unpleasant odors and infections,” says Amy Freeland, PhD, team leader for the Domestic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Epidemiology Team at the CDC. (Yes, to settle the Great Shower Debate once and for all, you do have to wash your legs.) Look for Olay Super Serum Body Wash, which is dermatologist-tested, free of phthalates and silicones, and contains niacinamide, BHA, collagen peptide, vitamin C, and vitamin E to hydrate and brighten your skin. Be gentle around the private areas, and only clean the outside—not the inside. “Most formulas are for external use only,” Freeland says.

Shave (if you want!)

The best time to shave is when your skin is warm, moist, and free of excess oil, which can clog razors. If you enjoy exfoliating beforehand, great, but it’s not a pre-shaving must. What’s more important is that you change your blade every six uses. If you suffer from ingrowns, shaving in the direction of hair growth, though it feels weird, helps prevent bumps. Rinse your body when done.

Wash your face

Doing this at the end of your shower helps ensure you’ve removed any conditioner along your hairline, which can trigger zits.

Towel dry

Instead of rubbing, blot your body. If you washed your hair, blot it with a microfiber hair towel.

Moisturize

Rub in lotion while your skin is still damp since it’s the best time to lock in hydration.