Everyone has different bathing habits, and most of us are pretty committed to our hygiene routines. People who shower in the morning usually claim they can’t wake up without a quick rinse, while people who prefer showering at night often feel like they need to clean off before climbing into bed.
Now, doctors are weighing in on the debate — and their answer is surprising a lot of people. According to multiple doctors, showering in the morning is a mistake, while showering at night has numerous health benefits.
Yes, morning showers can be refreshing, but nighttime showers can help you relax, wash away allergens, pollutants, and dirt, and promote better sleep. Dr. Aragona Giuseppe, GP, told Glamour UK: “During the day, your body and your hair can collect airborne allergens and irritants, dirt, and grime, especially in the summer months from pollen, chemicals, and sweat. So if you go to bed without showering, these will then transfer to your bed and sheets and may not only promote dirty bedding and nighttime allergies but could also cause itchy, irritated, and dry skin as well as facial skin issues, such as acne, due to dirty sheets and pillowcases from day time oil and dirt.”
Dr. Jason Singh on TikTok has a similar view of nighttime showers. He explains that end-of-day showers have three things going for them:
- “A warm shower triggers the release of melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone, and as you towel off, your body cools down to the appropriate temperature, and these two things, when combined, transition into better sleep.”
- “Showering at night helps to wash away the entire day’s grime, be it environmental pollutant, sweat, or mysterious odors.”
- “If you’re prone to dry or sensitive skin, then showering at night is a better way to help hydrate your skin.” (Just make sure you follow it up with a hydrating lotion or moisturizer.)
@drjaysonisfresh More debatable than pineapple on pizza
♬ original sound – Dr. Jason Singh
Of course, there are some downsides to showering at night, too. Going to bed with wet hair, for one, is a no-no. Marilisa Sears, artistic director for Marc Anthony hair care, told Allure, “Personally, I was told never to go to bed with wet hair because it could result in various bad endings such as fungal and bacterial infections, which could lead to an itchy scalp and dandruff.”
At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to both morning and evening showers — so it’s really all about personal preference!
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
