A long, luxuriating shower before bedtime can be one of the best ways to relax after a long day. But sometimes, we're not in the mood to deal with soaping, scrubbing, and shampooing. While there are other ways to address body odor, it begs the question, how often should you shower?
And is there a right way to take a shower? We asked dermatologists to share their advice on how frequently you should shower, what happens if you don't shower every day, and how to know when you need to hop in for a wash.
- Michele Green, MD, is a New York City–based cosmetic dermatologist.
- Lisa Chipps, MD, is a Los Angeles–based dermatologist.
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
Ideal Shower Frequency
Everybody has different needs, but you should not go more than a couple of days without a shower. "Frequency of showering depends on many different factors that vary from person to person: oil production, sweating and activity level, exposure to bacteria, underlying skin conditions, etc. Generally speaking, I would recommend showering daily, or at least 2 to 3 times weekly," says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD.
"While the importance of personal hygiene can't be understated, everyone's skin is different," says cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD. "Depending on the season, your skin, and your preferences, the frequency of your showers may vary throughout the year."
Signs You Need a Shower
According to Nazarian, there are some signs to look for that indicate it's time to shower. "Body odor and flaring of flaky, yeast-based conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis are signs that bacteria and yeast levels and oil/sweat are increasing and need to be cleansed off the skin more frequently," says Nazarian. "For people who are showering far more infrequently than necessary, skin may start to turn darker and thicker as dead skin cells and dirt accumulates."
Don't go more than a couple of days without a shower. For some people, the ideal frequency is every other day. For others, dermatologists recommend showering every day. Shower daily if you display any of the signs above or have any of the concerns listed below.
Who Should Definitely Shower Every Day
While Nazarian says that every other day is about the longest you'll want to wait to shower, there are those who need to shower everyday.
Those Who Are Active and Sweat
Even though you're not submerging your body in water, that doesn't mean that certain parts need to be freshened daily, like your face, armpits, and private areas, especially when you sweat profusely.
"Those who work out consistently should probably shower afterwards, which, if done properly, isn't harmful to the skin but may require a change in habits," adds dermatologist Lisa Chipps, MD.
When washing your face, a splash with "lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser" will cleanse just fine, says Nazarian.
As for your armpits, depending on the type of deodorant you use—deodorants range from traditional to natural aluminum-free formulas—you may need to wash your armpits more frequently with soap and water.
Those With Skin Issues
If you have skin issues or are prone to sensitive skin, you will most likely need a quick shower daily. "Aside from odor, you'll need to be concerned about a host of different skin issues like acne, irritation, flare-ups of existing skin conditions, and even yeast or fungal infections," says Green.
Even patients with eczema can wash daily but should be diligent in using "gentle, unscented cleansers, tepid temperatures, and moisturizing liberally following each shower," says Nazarian.
Those Who Are Acne-Prone
Nazarian says that acne patients, or those with seborrheic dermatitis, can certainly benefit from daily showers, "both to keep yeast and bacteria levels low, but also if they are using acne or seborrheic dermatitis medicated products that are often applied in the shower."
"Acne forms when there is a blockage and inflammation of sebaceous follicles, not only on the face but on the chest and back, as well," says Green. "Shower too little, and there's greater potential for acne-causing bacteria to become trapped inside the pores."
To clear up any body skin breakouts, you should shower more often than you are now, as "acne body washes and seborrheic dermatitis shampoos work more effectively when used daily to reduce flares," says Nazarian.
If you want to use a loofah to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and keep pores clear, Green adds that it's important to rinse the loofah and hang it to dry between uses to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Tips for Taking a Daily Shower
It’s definitely not bad to shower daily if you’re showering with appropriate cleansing habits, says Nazarian, who notes that "for many people it’s necessary to shower daily."
"Some people need to shower once or twice a day after working up a sweat, while others who aren't as active may only need to shower several times a week," adds Green. Here are some showering techniques to consider to minimize potential skin damage from daily showers.
Keep the Water Temperature Lukewarm
The perfect shower temperature is lukewarm—not cold, not hot, and steamy, according to Nazarian. "Cold showers are unnecessary for appropriate cleansing, and hot water strips excessive amounts of natural hydrators from skin, leading to overdrying," she says.
Lisa Chipps, MD
"While long, hot showers may feel great, they can break down the skin's natural barrier and lead to dry and irritated skin."
—Lisa Chipps, MD
Use a Gentle Cleanser and Moisturizer
Experts recommend sticking to gentle cleansers and shying away from exfoliative body cleansers so you maintain the pH balance and don't strip the skin of natural oils. A favorite body wash is Dove Deep Moisture ($9; amazon.com). "After bathing, blot (don't scrub) your skin dry and apply a gentle moisturizer to any areas that are prone to dry skin," Chipps adds.
Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day
Just because you shower every day doesn't necessarily mean that you have to wash your hair as frequently, too. "Hair is similar—it varies depending on the level of scalp and oil production, and also lifestyle and habit," says Nazarian. "Many people need and should wash daily, while others are fine to wash their hair once a week or even once every 10 days."
Those with coarse, curly textured hair can get away with shampooing every few days or co-washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a shower be?
According to experts, a shower should last between 5 and 10 minutes, which is just long enough to properly cleanse. Showering too long with the wrong water temperature can strip your skin of natural oils, while showering too quickly can lead to a build-up of dirt and excess sebum that wasn't washed long enough.
Is it better to shower in the morning or at night?
When you shower is entirely a matter of preference, as long as you get a good cleanse. "If showering is done properly (quick showers that are a few minutes long, with tepid/lukewarm water, using a gentle cleanser on primarily bacteria-harboring areas of the armpits, groin, and feet), most people can shower daily without issue," says Nazarian, regardless of the time of day.
How often should I take an Everything Shower?
An everything shower should be performed at most once a week. The process itself is extremely long (about four hours!) and includes a pre- and post-shower routine, as well as the shower itself. Everything showers are reserved for thorough, deep cleans that wash every part of your body and use a variety of products such as scrubs, cleansers, shampoos, serums, and creams.
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