It's a debate as old as time: morning shower or evening shower? The answer is not that simple and will depend on your preferences and lifestyle because there are benefits to both.
"There's no one-size-fits-all answer," Hannah Kopelman, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and host of the podcast Derm Club, told Health. "A morning shower can be a great way to wake up, boost circulation, and start fresh, especially if you tend to sweat at night. Meanwhile, a nighttime shower helps rinse off sweat, pollution, , and environmental debris."
A morning shower can boost circulation, shake off sleep inertia, and wash off nighttime sweat, according to Anna Andrienko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Ducu Clinics.
Morning showers can help you start your day feeling invigorated and refreshed.
While morning showers can be great for jumpstarting your day, there are also some downsides.
A warm evening shower can help you relax and calm you down, signaling to your brain that it's time to decompress, said Dr. Chacon. You get to rinse away the dirt and debris from the day and go to sleep clean.
Even if you opt for showering in the morning, it's still important to have a , she said.
Evening showers are known for helping you unwind and .
While evening showers can be great for winding down, there are also some downsides.
Choosing between a morning and evening shower will require examining your lifestyle, schedule, and goals.
If you tend to have more time in the evening or you want to promote sleep, evening showers may be best. But if you have trouble getting going in the morning or exercising before work, a morning shower may be what you need.
When choosing when to shower, consider your and any underlying skin conditions. If you have , nighttime showers may be more beneficial.
"Showering at night gives you a chance to lock in moisture before bed," said Dr. Kopelman. "Applying emollients or serums post-shower allows for better absorption while you sleep, when your skin is in repair mode."
If you want to kick-start your day, have more energy, and increase your alertness, choose a morning shower. But if your goal is to , an evening shower may be your best bet.
"Morning showers can help boost energy by increasing alertness and circulation," said Dr. Kopelman. "Conversely, warm evening showers signal the body to cool down after, which can enhance release and improve sleep quality -- great for anyone with or anxiety."
Going to bed with soaking wet hair isn't ideal because it can lead to hair breakage due to friction with your pillow. If you're a nighttime washer, Dr. Kopelman recommends towel-drying your hair thoroughly and, if needed, using a hair dryer on a low-heat setting to ensure your scalp is dry before sleeping.
Sleeping with wet hair also can lead to scalp issues like fungal overgrowth and . Damp conditions create an environment where yeast or bacteria can thrive, leading to sensitivity or even flaking.
Regardless of -- you should plan to shower afterward. Sweat mixed with bacteria can clog pores and increase breakouts or irritation, especially on the back or chest, said Dr. Andrienko
Deciding whether to shower in the morning or in the evening will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and skincare goals.
Showering in the morning helps you wake up and start your day refreshed, while showering at night helps you unwind and prepare for sleep.
Regardless of which you choose, make sure you care for both your skin and your hair. This means applying moisturizers and sunblock and avoiding sleeping on wet hair.