Your skin accumulates plenty of dirt, grime, and debris at the end of each day (not to mention sweat and residue from skin care products). If you stick to a morning-only wash, without so much as an evening rinse-off, you might be going to bed with some built-up bacteria.
Does the timing matter for cleanliness? Dr. Goldenberg says that for most people, there's nothing inherently wrong with showering in the morning, at night or both.
So for people who have a very active lifestyle or sweat at work, he recommends showering at night. Those who tend to sweat at night should shower in the morning, he says. “The point is to remove sweat, bacteria, and pollutants from the skin,” he says.
In general, showering every other day or every few days is typically sufficient. Keep in mind that showering twice a day or frequently taking hot or long showers can strip your skin of important oils. This can lead to dry, itchy skin.
According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
Augelli says the optimum time to shower is 90 minutes before hitting the hay, as that leaves enough time for your body to circulate it's circadian rhythms – the things that tell your body whether it's sleepy or awake.
If you wash your private area, it means that you're introverted or have low self-esteem. If you wash your hair first, you appreciate discipline and order. If you wash your chest, you're comfortable and confident in your own skin. If you wash your shoulders/neck, you're a hard-working, positive, go-getter.
In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water that's lukewarm or slightly warm. Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. Using a loofah, washcloth, or just your hands, apply bar soap or bodywash to your body. Start at your neck and shoulders, and work your way down the length of your body.
Aren't our bodies clean after showering? It turns out, people aren't as clean as they feel after showering. Sure, soap and hot water go a long way. They scrub the body of a lot of dirt and germs.
Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.
"If your skin tends not to be dry, you could extend it to every other day or so." If you take it from a certified germ expert, though, you can skip showering for as long as you wish.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Edidiong Kaminska, MD, the recommended maximum shower time is about 5 to 10 minutes. This is enough time to cleanse and hydrate the skin without overdoing it.
When incorporated into a bedtime routine, a nighttime shower may help send your brain the signal that it is time to sleep. Showering at night also ensures you will be cleaner when you go to bed, reducing the buildup of sweat, dirt, and body oils on your bedding.
While you might not want to crawl into bed sopping wet (it's best to air-dry a bit if you can), showering at the end of the day can help wash off bacteria and sweat—both of which can lead to clogged pores and oxidative stress.
"The effect of the cold water weakens our immune system," Mahesa said. "So taking a shower at night after a whole day of activities isn't recommended. But if you get some sleep first before taking a shower, your body temperature will have adjusted. That would actually improve our blood circulation."
Morning showers may be best if you're looking for a way to wake up, be more alert, productive, happier and healthier. But, if washing away the day, relaxing your mind and unlocking a little creativity is what you want, then a shower in the evening may be best for you, and a good way for you to get a better sleep.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people do not need more than one shower a day. That said, the AAD points out that sometimes, there is a need to clean your body more than once a day, such as if you engage in a sport or activity that causes you to sweat. You should shower when finished.
Is it bad to shower after you wake up? No, it's perfectly fine to shower when you get up.
Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health. It depends in part on your lifestyle.
Cold showers can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Hot showers, meanwhile, can improve cardiovascular health, soothe stiff joints, and improve sleep.
“The heat warms up your muscles and makes you more pliable,” says dermatologist Anthony Rossi. “Your muscles are relaxed, and you're not as tense.” That's because hot water widens your blood vessels and increases blood flow, which helps transport soreness-inducing lactic acid away from tired muscles.
"If your skin tends not to be dry, you could extend it to every other day or so." If you take it from a certified germ expert, though, you can skip showering for as long as you wish.
“Areas like your legs don't necessarily require daily washing, but you always should cleanse the skin if there is any visible soiling,” says Dr. Ziechner, who's director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
When to wash. Rossi generally tells his patients they should wash their hair once or twice per week. But if you've had chemical treatments that can make your hair drier — such as bleach, perms or relaxers — you might want to wash it less than once weekly to avoid breaking or brittle hair or split ends, he said.