How Often Should You Shower? Dermatologists Weigh In

A long, soothing shower before bed can be a perfect way to unwind after a busy day. However, there are moments when the thought of soaping, scrubbing, and shampooing doesn’t sound appealing. While other solutions exist for managing body odor, the question remains: how often should you actually shower?

Is there a proper technique for showering? We turned to dermatologists for their expert advice on how often you should shower, the effects of skipping daily showers, and how to determine when it’s time for a wash.

Recommended Shower Frequency

Everyone's needs are different, but you shouldn't go more than a couple of days without showering. "Shower frequency depends on various factors, such as oil production, sweat, activity levels, bacterial exposure, and skin conditions. In general, I suggest showering daily or at least two to three times a week," explains dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD.

"While personal hygiene is undeniably important, everyone's skin is unique," says cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD. "The frequency of your showers may fluctuate throughout the year based on the season, your skin, and your personal preferences."

Signs That Indicate It's Time for a Shower

Nazarian notes that there are specific signs to watch for when it's time to shower. "Body odor, along with flare-ups of flaky, yeast-related conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, suggest that bacteria, yeast, and oil/sweat are building up and need to be washed off more frequently," explains Nazarian. "For those who shower less frequently than necessary, skin may become darker and thicker as dead skin and dirt accumulate."

Who Should Consider Showering Every Day

While Nazarian mentions that every other day is typically the maximum time you'd want to wait before showering, some people actually need to shower daily.

Those Who Are Physically Active and Sweat

Even if you're not fully immersing your body in water, certain areas like your face, underarms, and private regions should still be freshened up daily, especially if you're sweating a lot.

"For those who exercise regularly, it's best to shower afterward. If done correctly, it shouldn't harm your skin, but it might call for some changes in your routine," says dermatologist Lisa Chipps, MD.

When cleansing your face, Nazarian suggests using "lukewarm water and a mild cleanser" for effective cleaning. As for your armpits, depending on the type of deodorant you use—whether it's traditional or a natural aluminum-free option—you may need to wash your armpits more often with soap and water.

Those Dealing with Skin Issues

If you have skin conditions or are prone to sensitivity, a quick daily shower is often necessary. "In addition to odor, you’ll need to consider various skin concerns such as acne, irritation, flare-ups of existing conditions, and even fungal or yeast infections," says Green.

Even those with eczema can shower every day but should ensure they use "gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, lukewarm water, and generously apply moisturizer after each shower," advises Nazarian.

Those with Acne-Prone Skin

Nazarian suggests that acne sufferers, or those with seborrheic dermatitis, can benefit from daily showers, "not only to maintain low levels of yeast and bacteria, but also because they may be using acne or seborrheic dermatitis treatments that are typically applied during a shower."

"Acne develops when sebaceous follicles become blocked and inflamed, not just on the face, but also on the chest and back," says Green. "If you shower too infrequently, there’s a higher chance that acne-causing bacteria will get trapped in the pores."

To address body breakouts, you’ll need to shower more often than you currently do, as "acne body washes and seborrheic dermatitis shampoos are more effective when used daily to prevent flare-ups," advises Nazarian.

Tips for Daily Showers

Showering daily isn't harmful as long as you practice proper cleansing techniques, says Nazarian, who notes that "for many people, daily showers are essential."

"Some individuals need to shower once or twice a day after sweating, while those who are less active may only require showers a few times per week," says Green. Here are some showering tips to help reduce potential skin damage from daily showers.

Keep the Water Temperature Lukewarm

According to Nazarian, the ideal shower temperature is lukewarm—neither too hot nor too cold. "Cold showers aren't necessary for effective cleaning, and hot water removes too many of the skin's natural moisturizers, leading to dryness," she explains.

Lisa Chipps, MD

Use a Gentle Cleanser and Moisturizer

Experts recommend using mild cleansers and avoiding exfoliating body washes to preserve the skin's pH balance and prevent stripping away natural oils. A popular body wash choice is Dove Deep Moisture. "After showering, gently blot (don’t rub) your skin dry and apply a mild moisturizer to areas prone to dryness," advises Chipps.

Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day

Showering daily doesn’t mean you need to wash your hair every time. "Hair care needs vary based on scalp oil production, lifestyle, and personal habits," says Nazarian. "Some people need to wash daily, while others can go a week or even 10 days between washes."

People with coarse, curly hair can typically go without shampooing for several days or choose to co-wash instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should a shower be?

  Experts recommend that showers last between 5 and 10 minutes, which is optimal for cleansing. Prolonged showers with improper water temperature can remove your skin's natural oils, while rushing through a shower might leave dirt and excess sebum behind due to insufficient cleansing.

• Is it better to shower in the morning or at night?

  The timing of your shower is a personal choice, as long as it provides a good cleanse. "As long as showering is done correctly (quick, few-minute showers with lukewarm water, using a mild cleanser on areas that collect bacteria like the armpits, groin, and feet), most people can shower every day without any issues," says Nazarian, regardless of the time.

• How often should I take an Everything Shower?

  An everything shower should ideally be done only once a week. This lengthy ritual lasts around four hours and involves a pre-shower routine, a deep shower, and a post-shower routine. Everything showers are meant for an intensive, thorough clean that covers every part of your body, using various products like scrubs, cleansers, shampoos, serums, and creams.