Dermatologist: Morning or Evening Shower Both Work, Skin Care Matters More
New York dermatologist Carmen Castilla says there is no single right time to shower: for skin health, morning and evening showers differ little. What matters more is gentle washing and moisturizing afterwards.
A dermatologist has weighed in on the everyday question of whether it is better to shower in the morning or in the evening. Carmen Castilla, a specialist at New York Dermatology Group, explained how each habit affects well-being, sleep and skin, as reported by “Real Simple”. In her view there is no universal answer, and the best time depends largely on a person's habits and lifestyle.
Morning shower
According to a Sleep Foundation study, 41.8% of American adults prefer showering in the morning. During the night the body produces sweat and sheds dead skin cells, and bacteria on the skin feed on them, causing unpleasant odor. A morning shower washes this away. A quick shower can also help a person wake up, especially if the water is slightly cooler: cold water may raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol and so activate the body. Freshly washed hair is also usually easier to style.
Castilla notes, however, that there is no scientific evidence that particular shower gel scents are more beneficial at certain times of day.
Evening shower
Before bed, 38.4% of Americans wash, and 25.3% do so right before going to sleep. In the evening one can rinse off sweat, dust, dirt, and skin care or sun protection products. A warm shower helps relax and may improve sleep: after stepping out, blood vessels in the skin widen, the body loses heat faster and its temperature falls, which signals that bedtime is near. The water should be warm rather than very hot, since overly hot water can damage the skin's natural protective barrier and cause dryness.
Because skin renewal processes are more active at night, the evening also suits a skin care routine. Moisturizer is best applied to slightly damp skin right after the shower.
Conclusion
The dermatologist suggests trying both options and choosing the one that fits your daily rhythm. If someone rushes in the morning and skips moisturizer, skin can become dry and itchy, while in the evening fatigue may lead to neglecting skin care. The key is gentle washing and moisturizing afterwards.
