Few things feel better at the end of a long day than a shower—and there’s a reason why. Studies have shown that Shower Time is not only a great way to keep yourself clean and refreshed, but a “momentary retreat” from stressors. And it’s got us thinking: why not maximize those benefits?
So, get set: we’re here to help you optimize your shower retreat—and build your best shower yet. Let’s get started.
How often should I shower?
While the clinical jury’s out on how many times per week you should shower, one dermatologist has a pretty firm recommendation. According to Dr. Mary Stevenson in an article for TIME Magazine, “Ideally, [people] should shower at least every other day.”1
Given the fact that human skin produces oils continuously throughout the day, this makes sense. In fact, our vote is for a daily shower if you’re highly active, work long hours, deal with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or just enjoy capping your night (or starting your day) with a calming ritual.
You won’t be alone if you do—over 53% of surveyed Americans feel the same way.2
How long should I be showering for?
Even though the average American showers for 16 minutes, five to ten minutes is what most dermatologists recommend.2 That’s two songs max (one and a half if you’re listening to Bohemian Rhapsody.)
Of course, if you’re washing your hair that day, you can tack on some extra time. But to avoid dry skin and pruned fingertips, we recommend trying to keep your showers relatively short.
Is it better to shower in the morning or night?
Clinicians confirm: there are no differences in medical benefits of a morning shower versus an evening shower.3 Whether you hit the suds during the day or night is totally up to you—most people base this off of the activities they do during the day and what works best for their unique schedule.
Our tip? Think about what’ll feel most refreshing. Our staff is split between biiiig fans of a night shower (nothing like slipping into clean sheets afterwards and knocking out)—and morning shower champions who love a burst of energy after a morning workout. We’ll let you choose your team.
Is a hot or cold shower better?
The ideal shower temperature is a hotly debated topic (see what we did there?). Here’s what we do know:
A Virginia Commonwealth University Study found that cold showers could potentially have antidepressant effects by sending an “overwhelming amount of electrical impulses to the brain.”4 While this link is still being researched, it’s been confirmed that cold water ignites the body’s sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight” responses, effectively waking you up. So, if what you’re looking for is a blast of energy, a cold shower might be your best bet.4
On the other hand, the steam from hotter showers can open airways and fight congestion, open up your pores for a deeper cleanse, and improve sleep.
Going too extreme in either direction is a no-go: piping hot showers can damage keratin cells on the surface of your skin, and constant cold water immersion can highly impact your nervous system and over-stress your heart.5,6
Our suggestion? Find a happy medium. Lukewarm water between 98 and 105 degrees is dermatologist-recommended.7
What products are the best for showers?
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok enough, you might be under the impression that you need to bring a small duffel bag of products into the shower. Let us debunk that: you don’t need tons of different products for every single part of your body. All those artificial fragrance-y bubbles and scrubs are not necessary, or even beneficial, on the daily.
Here’s what we suggest for your shower arsenal:
- A gentle, effective body cleanser (a pH balanced wash is ideal)
- A loofah, exfoliating net or washcloth (and be sure to keep these clean and swap out often)
- Your choice of shampoo, conditioner, or hair treatment if it’s wash day
- A really good playlist
Add-ons to try? An in-shower body oil to lock in moisture, and an intimate wash. While your vagina is self-cleaning, your vulva (the skin around it) does need gentle cleansing.
If you’re looking for a sulfate-free, phthalate-free option, we’ve got one for you right here. Grab a washcloth and get to (gently) cleaning.
Do I really need a washcloth for the shower?
We’re pro-wash cloth. Soaping up with your hands is simply not enough to exfoliate your skin gently, remove dead skin cells, or truly clean your body. If you’re not into washcloths, use a loofah or exfoliating net to work your cleanser of choice into your skin. Don’t be too rough, but make sure you lather up and enjoy those sweet suds.
Should I wash my hair every shower?
This fully depends on your hair type and texture, but no—not really. Shampoo can strip the natural oils in your hair and scalp, and it’s generally not needed each day for healthy hair. For the most personalized recommendation, check in with your hairstylist or dermatologist about how often you should be washing your hair.
