IS IT BEST TO SHOWER IN THE MORNING OR NIGHT? HERE’S WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY
When it comes to bathing there are two types of people. The morning birds who roll out of bed bleary-eyed and head straight to the shower to wake themselves up, or the night owls who wash away the day’s dirt before they go to sleep… or maybe you do both?
But have you ever stopped to question if it’s best to shower in the morning or night? Much like the chicken and egg, this topic causes much of a debate and the answer isn’t as clear as we may think. With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty we caught up with two industry experts to uncover the body and wellbeing benefits and negatives of both along with answering the great debate on if it is best to shower in the morning or night?
IN THIS ARTICLE
- When should you shower
- Is it best to shower in the morning or night
- Benefits of morning showers
- Negatives of morning showers
- Benefits of an evening shower
- Negatives of an evening shower+
- Our expert’s showering tips for the morning and evening
- The verdict
- Is it best to shower in the morning or night FAQs
MEET THE EXPERTS
- Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Millie Lloyd, Senior Education & Experience Manager of L’Occitane
WHEN SHOULD YOU SHOWER
While taking a shower morning or night is usually down to personal preference and lifestyle, it’s essential we understand how our bathing routine can affect our body. So, before we ask is it best to shower in the morning or night, Millie outlines how when we shower can affect the overall health of our skin, hair, body and wellness. “The timing of your shower can influence everything from how effectively skin care ingredients work to your overall hygiene and wellness. Morning showers can energise and refresh you, while evening showers help unwind – signalling to your body that it's time to rest.”
IS IT BETTER TO SHOWER IN THE MORNING OR NIGHT
Choosing if it is best to shower in morning or night often comes down to your individual routine and needs. While morning showers are ideal for those who want to feel energised and refreshed to start their day, night time showers provide a calming ritual that helps prepares your body for restful, beauty sleep. Whether you prefer the invigorating feeling of a morning shower or the relaxing benefits of an evening one, both times offer unique benefits that can fit different lifestyles. The key is finding what works best for you.
BENEFITS OF MORNING SHOWERS
While there’s no research to say whether a morning or an evening shower has more health benefits, morning showers help you feel energised and ready for the day. “Morning showers are a fantastic way to jump-start your circulation, leaving your skin glowing and your body feeling energised. I like to start with warm water to ease into the day and then finish with a quick, cool rinse when I’m feeling brave — this not only wakes me up but also helps stimulate blood flow without over-drying my skin. For an extra circulation boost, I’ll occasionally use a gentle exfoliator like the L'Occitane Almond Shower Scrub. It’s rounded crushed almond shells, leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed while getting rid of any dullness from the night before.” says Millie.
Morning showers also have sanitation benefits too. “We sweat around 200g of sweat per night, plus lying in bed we get covered in bacteria, dust and dead skin cells. We also shed around 30,000 skin cells a minute, so this amounts to around 15 million skin cells shed every night! Meaning, showering first thing cleanses your body, wiping away dirt and debris that builds up as you snooze” explains Dr Deborah. What’s more, “washing your hair in the morning can be beneficial for your tresses, especially if you suffer from grease as oil builds up on your strands overnight” adds Dr Debroah.
NEGATIVES OF MORNING SHOWERS
When it comes to the negatives of having a morning shower, the good news is that there aren’t many. For those who cherish every second of their sleep the main drawback is the fact “you will need to get up earlier to bathe before you go to work. If you shower in the evening, you get an extra half hour in bed!” explains Dr Debroah.
Depending on your AM ritual, morning shower can also stress out skin. “Speaking from personal experience there is sometimes the temptation to wash my face in the shower if you’re in a rush after hitting the snooze button one too many times! While it’s convenient, the water temperature is often warmer than what’s ideal for facial skin. As hot water can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, this can lead to dehydrated and more sensitised skin throughout the day. Instead, I would recommend, where possible, cleansing your face at the sink using lukewarm water - it’s much easier to control the temperature and ensure gentle care for sensitive or dehydrated skin” recalls Millie.
BENEFITS OF A NIGHTTIME SHOWER
Now we know the pros and cons of the morning shower, it’s time to unpick your evening rinse.
An evening shower has advantages as it can be part of your bedtime routine. “We know that winding-down before getting into bed improves sleep. Immersing your body in warm water can help you fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep. Warm water is soothing and calming. It lowers stress and tension and can relieve muscular tension. Your body heats up in the shower but cools afterwards, but the body normally cools just before the onset of sleep, so this is another beneficial factor” says Dr Debroah.
In addition to signalling your body to relax, an evening cleanse removes pollutants, dirt, and sweat you’ve picked up during the day, keeping your skin healthy and looking its best. What’s more, “With more time in the evening, you’re also more likely to indulge in a pamper session and properly moisturise your body following your shower, a must for anyone with dry skin. Applying a product rich in omegas and fatty acids helps to lock in moisture and soften the skin post-shower, especially when applied on damp skin” adds Millie.
NEGATIVES OF A NIGHTTIME SHOWER
Showering before bed isn’t necessarily bad for your body or skin but can cause havoc on your hair. “Showering in the evening, especially if you wash your hair, can lead to a few hair care concerns. If your strands stay damp overnight, it can cause discomfort and promote frizz or tangling as it dries on the pillow. Plus, the moisture can create a damp environment that encourages bacteria or fungal growth on the scalp, leading to irritation or an oily build-up. Even though you might prefer to wash your hair in the evening so you can enjoy a few more minutes in bed come morning, the reality of a late wash often means not giving your hair enough time to dry fully, running the risk of waking up with a style similar to Monica from Friends’s humidity do!” explains Millie.
OUR EXPERTS’ TOP TIPS FOR SHOWERING IN THE MORNING AND EVENING
Still not sure if you’re an AM or PM washer? No worries, our experts share their top tips for showering in the morning and night so you can try out both and see what works best for you.
Top Tips For Showering In The Morning:
Select a body wash that includes citrus, mint or eucalyptus as these ingredients are infused with energising scents and can improve concentration and alertness for your day ahead. The purpose of your morning routine is to protect the skin ahead of your day, therefore it’s important to look for products that function with this purpose. Vitamin C is a well-known standout ingredient for morning use as it helps to brighten the skin and protect it from environmental stressors like pollution. Also look for formulas rich in antioxidants like vitamin E or niacinamide, as these are also excellent for protecting skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Exfoliation tends to be better in the morning as it will wash away all the dead cells that have accumulated overnight when the body has been busy with regeneration and repair. - Opt for a lukewarm shower rather than using hot water, as higher temperatures can make you feel too relaxed and sluggish. A refreshing, warm shower is perfect to get your blood flowing.
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Top Tips For Showering In The Evening:
- Choose shower gels that contain lavender or camomile. Both ingredients have anti-anxiety properties and are renowned for soothing calming prior to sleep.
An evening shower is designed to repair and nourish the skin, therefore you should focus on using gels that support your skin’s natural renewal process. Retinol is one of the best ingredients for evening use as it promotes cell turnover, helping with everything from fine lines to hyperpigmentation. - Adjust your water temperature to be warm. This relaxes your muscles, calms your mind and prepares your body for rest. This can also help reduce stress from the day.
Apply a nourishing body moisturiser to your skin while it's still damp, to lock in moisture. You can also use a soothing body lotion to help your skin feel soft and hydrated overnight. While body cleansers and moisturisers naturally rich in omegas and fatty acids (we’re talking shea butter and almond oil) can be used at any time of day, they are particularly effective to deeply replenish the skin while you sleep. Especially for parts of your body that are frequently used during the day such as hands and feet, overnight application allows the products to get to work uninterrupted.
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THE VERDICT
Our conclusion to if it’s best to shower in the morning or night? There is no right or wrong, it’s very much down to personal preference. Tailor your shower experience to your needs! Whether that changes daily, monthly or seasonally. We suggest trying both out and seeing what works best for you.
IS IT BETTER TO SHOWER IN THE MORNING OR NIGHT FAQS
Is it better to take a hot or cold shower?
The ideal shower temperature for your skin is lukewarm or cooler. Why? Because hot water strips your skin of natural oils, which can lead to dry and itchy skin, so it's best to stick to an average shower temperature of between 37°C and 38°C.
Should we shower twice a day?
Showering twice a day isn't necessary for everyone, but it can be beneficial depending on your lifestyle. If you exercise, sweat heavily or work in an environment where you’re exposed to dirt or chemicals, showering twice a day can help you stay clean and refreshed. It can also be a good way to relax and unwind after a long day. However, for those with dry or sensitive skin, showering twice a day may lead to irritation or strip away natural oils. It's important to listen to your body and adjust your routine based on your personal needs.
Is it better for your hair to shower at night or in the morning?
The time of day you choose to shower can affect your hair in different ways, depending on your hair type and needs. Ultimately it comes down to your hair care routine and how you prefer to style your hair. If you need more time to dry or style your hair, a night time shower might be ideal. If you're looking for a quick, refreshing start to your day, a morning shower will work best.
There you have it, whether you’re team morning shower or night, the real secret is to bathe when it you feel best — just be sure to leave the debate behind and enjoy the freshen up!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
