Your Fall Shower Routine: The Perfect Trio for Sensitive Skin

From our founder and CEO, Mary Plante

Every fall in Minnesota, as soon as the air turns crisp and the furnace starts running, my skin lets me know what time of year it is — dry, itchy, and sometimes downright angry. For years, I tried everything I could find on store shelves to help. Some products would work for a while, but most just made thingsworse.

I eventually learned that my sensitive skin wasn’t the problem — the ingredients I was using were. Once I found the real culprit (mineral oil), I realized just how many “moisturizing” products were making my eczema flare up.

That’s what led me to start Scrub Me Good — a line of body care made for real skin. Skin that gets dry, flaky, or irritated when the seasons change. Skin that needs something simple, gentle, and effective.

To share a little more about what I’ve learned — and how I care for my skin now — here’s a quick Q&A from me, Mary, founder of Scrub Me Good.

Q: What inspired you to start Scrub Me Good?

Mary: Honestly, it came from frustration. I’ve always struggled with extremely dry, sensitive skin and eczema. For years, I couldn’t figure out what was causing those itchy, rashy flare-ups that would pop up out of nowhere. I tried everything — lotions, oils, creams — you name it.

One day, I thought I’d try baby oil because it was supposed to be “gentle.” Big mistake. It was the worst reaction I’ve ever had — my skin turned red and unbearably itchy. That’s when I realized something in those products was making things worse, not better.

After doing some digging, I discovered the culprit: mineral oil. It’s found in so many body care products, even ones labeled for “sensitive skin.” That discovery changed everything for me.

Q: What should people with sensitive skin look for — or avoid — in their products?

Mary: The first thing I tell people is to read ingredient labels. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin and mineral oil causes you issues, look for words like mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin oil, or liquid paraffin. These are all petroleum-based ingredients, and for some people (like me), they can clog pores, trap heat, and make irritation worse.

That’s why every product we make at Scrub Me Good is mineral oil–free and petroleum-free. We use plant-based oils that actually absorb into your skin instead of just sitting on top of it. Everything we make is also vegan, and our formulas are designed to be simple, gentle, and effective — even for people with sensitive skin.

Q: Why is fall especially tough on dry or sensitive skin?

Mary:  If you live somewhere cold like Minnesota, you know how quickly the air changes in the fall. As soon as the heat kicks on, the humidity indoors drops. That dry, forced-air heat pulls moisture right out of your skin.

Long, hot showers feel amazing when it’s chilly outside, but they can make things worse by stripping away your skin’s natural oils. I’ve learned to keep my showers warm, not hot — and to make moisturizing part of my daily routine, not just an afterthought.

And it’s not just the air — all those extra layers we start wearing in the fall can make a difference too. Heavy fabrics like wool and fleece can trap heat and sweat against your skin, which can lead to irritation and dryness, especially if your skin barrier is already compromised. Tighter clothing or friction from seams can also trigger flare-ups if you’re prone to eczema or sensitivity.

A few tips for colder climates:

• Run a humidifier indoors to bring moisture back into the air.
• Drink plenty of water (yes, it matters!).
• Choose softer, breathable fabrics whenever you can.
• And whatever you do, don’t skip your moisturizer.

Q: What’s your personal fall shower routine?

Mary: It's my Perfect Trio and I use it almost every day when the weather gets cold.

Step 1: pH-Balancing Body Wash
I start with our pH-Balancing Body Wash. It’s sulfate-free, intimate-safe and made to cleanse without drying. A lot of body washes out there are harsh — especially the ones with heavy foaming agents. This one keeps my skin balanced and calm.

Step 2: Oil-Based Sugar Scrub
Next is the Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. I use it as the last step in my shower, which is key. Because it’s oil-based, it leaves a thin, moisturizing layer of oil behind on the skin. That’s what makes it so perfect for sensitive or dry skin — it lightly exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time.

In the colder months, I use it almost every day. My favorite scent right now is Vanilla Caramel Coffee — it smells cozy and warm but isn’t overwhelming.

Step 3: Luxe Body Lotion
After my shower, I finish with our Luxe Body Lotion. It gives that final layer of hydration, sealing everything in. It’s light but rich, and of course, it’s mineral oil–free. I often reach for the the unscented version, but even our scented options are formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin.

By combining these three steps — wash, scrub, and lotion — I’ve found the perfect balance for my skin. My eczema stays calmer, and my skin feels smooth instead of tight and flaky.

Q: What advice would you give to others with sensitive skin?

Mary: Be gentle and consistent. Sensitive skin loves routine. Stick with products that work for you, and don’t overcomplicate it.

If you’re dealing with flare-ups, check your labels and avoid anything with mineral oil, petrolatum, or heavy artificial fragrance. And don’t underestimate the basics — using a humidifier, keeping showers short and warm, and moisturizing right after bathing makes a huge difference.

That’s really how Scrub Me Good began — out of a need for products that actually helped my skin instead of making it worse. Every formula we make is something I use myself.

If you’ve got questions about what might work best for your skin or want help figuring out a routine, reach out anytime. I love helping people finally feel comfortable in their own skin again — especially when it’s sensitive.

Shop My Fall Shower Routine

• Exfoliating Sugar Scrub: oil-based, mineral oil-free, perfect for sensitive skin
• pH-Balancing Body Wash: gentle, sulfate-free, and spray-tan safe
• Luxe Body Lotion: lightweight moisture without petroleum or mineral oil