Pick a time, any time.
It
seems like a simple question at first — are you better off showering
before bed or when you wake up? But ask around and you’ll find your
friends split into two very adamant camps. For night showerers, the idea
of getting into bed covered in a day’s worth of dirt and germs is
downright repulsive. For the other team, starting your day covered in
sweat from the night before — and without the jolt of a morning shower —
is unfathomable. But which side is right?
Turns
out they both are, but it depends on the situation. Everything from
your skin type to the amount of pollution in your life to when — and how
— you work out can determine when you should shower. Here’s how to find
out which timing is best for you.
You should shower in the morning if…
You have oily skin. “Showering
in the morning may help you perk up and can be especially good for
those with oily skin, since oil can build up during the night and
showers and excellent at clearing the pores,” NYC-based internist.
You like starting the day with a fresh shave. “For men, showering can soften the hairs on the face, making shaving smoother and easier.
You’re OK with waking up early. One
possible downside: the toll it takes on your beauty sleep. “You may
have to wake up earlier to bathe in the a.m. — not ideal for those who
like to hit the snooze button.
You’re a night sweater. “Obviously, if one is sweaty all night, they would want to shower in the morning,
You should shower at night if…
You need to chill out before turning in.
“Many find showering at night to be relaxing and a great way to
unwind,” Phillips explains. “However, some research has suggested that
showering at night may shift your body temperature in ways that can
disrupt natural circadian rhythms, making falling asleep more difficult. If this happens to you, try to shower a couple of hours before turning in.”
You wear makeup. “If
you wear SPF or makeup, washing … at night with a cleanser is super
important,” . Washing your face without jumping in the
shower may suffice, but the steam and constant flow from the showerhead
could do a better job of cleaning off residue.
You have dry skin.
Use a morning shower as a time to deep-clean your less-than-dewy face?
You might want to rethink it. “Washing in the morning
with a cleanser is recommended only for oily patients, and not so much
for patients who suffer from eczema or dry skin.”
Your environment isn’t exactly sterile.As a resident, after working long shifts in the
hospital around illnesses and germs, I would take off my clothes at the
door and head straight to the shower to prevent bringing bacteria and
viruses into the house.” It’s best to shower at night if you get
particularly dirty over the course of your day — either from a job
(talking to you, construction workers) or environment (if you live in a
polluted city, it’s a good idea to wash off the grime).
You work out (hard) during the day. “If someone is very active or works outdoors during the day, they need a shower at night,
You work out (hard) during the day. “If someone is very active or works outdoors during the day, they need a shower at night,
So
pick a morning or night shower depending on your body and lifestyle —
just make sure to avoid taking too many showers.
“Overshowering (i.e., in the morning and at night) could wash away good
bacteria that naturally protect the skin, or dry the skin out
excessively, resulting in small cracks that can lead to skin
infections.”
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