Which is healthier: taking a shower in the “morning” or “evening”?

Browse By

Ever get into an argument with friends or family about whether you’re a morning person or a night owl? And you’ve probably had one about the best time to shower: morning or evening. You may prefer one over the other—and that’s okay. “There’s no clear answer for the entire population of the world about whether to shower in the evening or in the morning,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. “But for each person, there’s usually a right answer, and it all comes down to preference.” Dr. Vij explains whether showering at night or in the morning is better, and the benefits of both.

taking a shower

Which is healthier: taking a shower in the “morning” or “evening”?

Should You Take a Shower at Night or in the Morning? If you need help waking yourself up before starting your day, a morning shower might be right for you.

Some benefits of taking a morning shower

  • Cleanse your body: Your sheets are littered with skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. “Showering in the morning helps cleanse your body before you put on a fresh set of clothes and go about your day,” says Dr. Vij.
  • Refreshing: The constant stream of water helps wake you up and makes you feel more refreshed. “I take a shower in the morning to wake myself up and feel energized,” says Dr. Vij. “I don’t feel like myself if I start my day without washing my face.”
  • Prep your skin for your moisturizer: Washing your face in the shower helps nourish your skin. “It ensures that you remove all of your makeup before you start applying toner or sunscreen for the day,” says Dr. Vij.
  • Reduce frizz: Your scalp produces oils throughout the ยูฟ่าเบท https://ufabet999.app day. Oil coats your hair, helping it stay shiny. “But when combined with the pressure and rest of your head on a pillow, those oils can alter your hair or make it tangle, making it harder to style,” explains Dr. Vij. “Washing your hair in the morning gives you a fresh new look for the day.”

Some benefits of taking a shower in the evening

  • Removes dirt and grime: “Showering helps to wash away dirt, grime, toxins and environmental pollutants that can negatively impact your skin,” shares Dr. Vij.
  • Helps you fall asleep easier: As mentioned, taking a nightly shower can be part of your nightly routine and help you sleep better. “The emotional adjustment is a huge plus for some people,” notes Dr. Vij.
  • Removes skincare residue: In addition to removing dirt and grime from your body, showering at night also helps remove skincare products, such as sunscreen, that you’ve been wearing throughout the day. “It helps you get a clean night’s sleep,” says Dr. Vij.

If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, you may have heard that showering at night is better, but Dr. Vij says it really comes down to personal preference.

“For those with atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin, it’s recommended that you apply your daily moisturizer and over-the-counter or prescription products twice a day,” Dr. Vij adds. “And there’s no need to shower at night or in the morning, as long as you use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and prescription products as recommended.”