Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night?

The surprising answer: There may not be one “right” time. But for many older adults, a few simple shower habits can make a big difference for healthy skin.

Have you ever wondered whether it is healthier to shower first thing in the morning or before going to bed?

According to dermatologists, there isn't one perfect answer. The best time depends on your skin, your daily activities, how much you sweat, and what makes you feel comfortable.

However, experts interviewed by SELF say there are some good reasons to consider an evening shower.

Why a nighttime shower may be helpful

During the day, your skin can collect sweat, dirt, sunscreen, pollutants and other debris.

A shower before bed washes these things away before you climb into bed. It can also help keep your sheets cleaner between washings.

Evening showers may be especially helpful if you've spent the day gardening, exercising, doing outdoor work, or simply getting sweaty.

Another benefit is that nighttime may give you more time to take care of your skin. After showering, you can gently dry yourself and apply moisturizer without feeling rushed.

But morning showers have benefits, too

A morning shower can be a refreshing way to start the day.

If you tend to sweat during the night, showering in the morning can wash away overnight sweat and oil. It may also help you feel more awake and ready for the day.

So if you've always been a morning-shower person, there is no medical reason to feel that you are doing something wrong.

What if you exercise?

This is one situation where the clock matters less.

If you exercise and become sweaty, dermatologists recommend showering afterward rather than waiting until your usual shower time.

That could mean a morning shower after your walk or workout—or an evening shower after exercising later in the day.

The goal is simple: wash away sweat after physical activity.

What if you have dry or sensitive skin?

For older adults, this is particularly worth remembering because skin often becomes drier with age.

The way you shower can matter more than whether you shower in the morning or evening.

Dermatologists recommend:

• Keep showers relatively short—about 5 to 10 minutes.

• Use lukewarm water instead of very hot water.

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free soaps or body washes if your skin is easily irritated.

• Don't scrub your skin aggressively.

• Gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.

• Apply moisturizer soon after your shower, ideally within a couple of minutes.

Very hot, long showers may feel wonderful, especially on a cold morning, but they can strip moisture from the skin and leave it feeling dry and itchy.

A special note about eczema or psoriasis

If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, your shower routine deserves extra attention.

For these conditions, dermatologists emphasize protecting the skin barrier. Keeping showers short, avoiding very hot water and moisturizing promptly can be more important than choosing morning versus evening.

If your skin is persistently itchy, cracked, painful or irritated, talk with your doctor or dermatologist about the best bathing routine for you.

So, which is better?

For most people, the best shower time is the time that fits your body and your daily routine.

An evening shower has some advantages because it removes the day's sweat, dirt and environmental debris before you get into bed.

But a morning shower can make sense if you sweat during the night or simply feel better and more alert afterward.

And if you exercise, showering after your workout may be more important than sticking to a particular time of day.

The bigger lesson is this: Don't worry so much about the clock. Pay attention to your skin.

Keep your shower short, avoid very hot water, be gentle with your skin and moisturize afterward.

Those simple habits may matter much more than whether you shower at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m.