The Ultimate Bodycare Routine for the High-Maintenance Person

Being labeled a high-maintenance person was once an exclusively derisive, belittling put-down. As previously explained in this article: the descriptor "[sowed] seeds of insecurity," especially among women. It was synonymous with being demanding, hard to please, and self-absorbed.

These days, public opinion seems to be changing. The phrase is more neutral – a catch-all for people who are uncompromising in their standards. For many, it simply means they prioritize self-care and aim for a happy, comfortable life. Are you a high-maintenance person? Embrace it! If you're not hurting anybody, you should be able to pamper yourself without worrying about how it looks to others.

Anyone who's ever splurged on a relaxing spa weekend or a multi-step skincare regimen understands the power of pampering. It can lift you up, boost your self-confidence, and add much-needed sparkle to your life. For beauty lovers, body care is one of the most worth-it investments for those reasons.

So, when was the last time you were truly extra with your routine? Go beyond proper hygiene and dedicate a few hours to primping and preening like the main character you are.

Make bath time an entire production by lighting candles, setting the mood with music, and pouring yourself a drink. Don't have the place to yourself? Hang a "do not disturb" sign on the bathroom door – this is your sacred time, so turn away all distractions.

If you have a bathtub, fill it with warm water, essential oils, and soothing bath salts or bombs. For soap, go for something extra foamy. The more bubbles, the better! No tub? No problem! Keep it simple with a long shower instead. The luxurious and fragrant Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash will make it feel ten times more divine. Inspired by the Japanese sakura flower, this gentle formula has anti-inflammatory components that soothe the skin, as well as Himalayan sea salt extract that purifies while retaining natural moisture. It leaves your skin feeling fresh, glowing, and hydrated. 

Lather up, then use an exfoliating washcloth all over. That's how you get a full-body glow in minutes.

Next, it's time to scrub-a-dub-dub. Yes, an exfoliating scrub could never replace your body wash in cleansing power – but it works beautifully as a once-a-week treat for dull skin. Find one with all-natural ingredients, like sugar and coffee grounds. They’ll buff away dead skin cells, smoothen rough patches, and perk up your complexion. They smell amazing together, too!

You have endless ready-to-use options but feel free to go the DIY route. Just make sure you're mixing skin-compatible and non-irritating ingredients. Try coconut or jojoba oil for a moisturizing base and add fragrant essential oils to make the experience even more spa-like.

Dry off, throw on your bathrobe, and wrap your hair in a towel. The fun's not over yet! After scrubbing, your skin will be better equipped to absorb all the goodness your lotion or cream can give. Have you ever tried a body serum? If you want to go all-out on the TLC, try adding one to your body skincare routine. You'll swear you've never felt more hydrated.

Don't forget your teeth! Oral health is wealth, too. The rule of thumb is to brush twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste like the closeup Red Hot Toothpaste. This product covers your oral care needs with antibacterial zinc, which banishes 99.9% of bacteria for fresh breath.

While smelling great isn't the goal of good hygiene, it's certainly a plus. After washing up, moisturizing, and brushing your teeth, you should be fresh as a daisy. But an extra spritz of your fave perfume and a little deodorant will lock all that fragrance in.

Go for the Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant. It's gentle, moisturizing, and offers24-hour odor protection, and leaves the skin with a refreshing cucumber scent. Since it doesn't contain aluminum or alcohol, it won't clog your pores, irritate the sensitive skin of your underarms, or prevent you from sweating naturally.

Ultimately, it doesn't really matter if you're a high-maintenance person. You should celebrate and care for your body in whatever way makes you happiest. If a five-minute shower is all you need to feel your best, go for it. If spending hours in the tub with a face mask on is part of your daily routine, more power to you. Meeting your standards is what's important!