Shower in the morning or in the evening? Which is better?

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Showering divides opinion: some swear by getting out of bed and straight into the shower to start the day refreshed and clean (and to wake up). Others swear by taking a shower before bed to wash away the dirt and ballast of the day.

According to Dr. Giuseppe Aragona, general practitioner and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor, the question of whether to shower in the morning or evening is mainly a matter of personal preference and lifestyle: “A morning shower is more popular with most people because it awakens the senses and refreshes you for the day ahead, but it’s not necessarily better for the body,” he says.

He argues that an evening shower is a great way to relieve tension and stress by letting the hot water hit your shoulders and back and wash away the day’s baggage. Evening showers can promote better sleep, as hot water and steam make you sleepy.

“However, the main benefit of showering in the evening is that allergens and irritants, dirt and grime, can build up in the air during the day, especially in the summer months, from pollen, chemicals, and sweat, and build up on your skin and hair. So if you go to bed without showering, these substances are transferred to your bedding and pillows.”

According to the expert, this can not only promote or exacerbate allergies but also lead to itchy, irritated, and dry skin. Skin problems on the face, such as acne, can be exacerbated by bed linen, especially pillowcases, that are not clean enough due to oil and dirt (especially from hair).

“Showering in the morning can be invigorating,” she says. ”While you shower, you can visualize the day ahead in your head, plan appointments, and have a little time for yourself before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.” She adds, “If you want to wake yourself up even more, you can opt for cold water therapy. It’s very simple: end the shower with cold water (below 15 degrees Celsius) for 30 seconds to a minute. If you are insensitive, you can also take cold showers the whole time, says the expert. “This not only wakes you up but also stimulates the immune system, circulation, and digestion.”

The naturopath adds that showering in the evening can also be good for your health – at a different temperature: “A long hot shower raises our core temperature, and when we cool down again, we become sleepy. It is therefore best to shower 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed, as this can be a natural sedative.”

If you weigh up the arguments put forward by the experts, showering in the evening seems to have more advantages – especially for allergy sufferers and people with skin problems. However, those who prefer to shower in the morning should, of course, continue to do so. There is also no harm in showering twice a day, as long as you limit the duration to ten minutes or less and keep the temperature low for the body and the environment.