How Often Should You Shower?

There’s something about a morning shower that seems to set a positive tone for the day, and a warm evening shower may help you relax before bedtime. But how often do you actually need to shower to keep your skin healthy?

There’s no single correct answer. "Shower frequency really depends on what your skin needs, and external factors like climate, weather, and lifestyle," says Mondana Ghias, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and the chief medical officer at Tono Health.

While personal preference plays a role, there are some types of skin that benefit from daily showering, while others can go longer without. Here’s what experts recommend for a variety of skin types.

For people who exercise often, consistent showering may help unclog pores by clearing sweat and oil before they build up (and in turn help reduce acne and keep skin clear), says Dr. Hu.

In general, people with oily or acne-prone skin tend to feel better with daily showering, especially if they sweat often, says Hu.

Listen to your skin. "If your skin feels comfortable after you shower and moisturize — not tight, itchy, or irritated — that’s usually a sign you’re on the right track," says Dr. Ghias.

Who Should Shower Every Day or More Often

Rinsing daily with a gentle cleanser may help people in this category reduce breakouts, says Hu. The same goes for those who exercise or sweat heavily. "Sweat can shift the skin's pH and irritate hair follicles if it sits [on the skin] too long," she adds.

Those in jobs such as healthcare, pet care, or landscaping often need daily showers to remove dirt and pathogens, says Dr. Gwinn. And people living in hot, humid climates may find that sweat accumulates quickly, making daily showering more comfortable, says Hu.

Who Doesn't Need to Shower as Much

Older adults often do well with less-frequent bathing because their skin is thinner and more prone to damage, says Gwinn. "Patients older than 60, those on statins, and individuals with a compromised skin barrier benefit from showering less often," she explains. "For these patients, I recommend showering every other day."

For people with limited mobility, Ghias recommends focusing on cleaning the underarms, groin, and skin folds to avoid odor, irritation, and sweat buildup. "Gentle cleansing wipes can work well on days when a full shower isn’t possible," she says.

Sedentary people in dry or cold climates may be comfortable showering every other day or a few times a week, says Hu.

How you shower matters as much as how often you shower, says Hu. The key, she explains, is to find a routine that helps you stay clean without stripping natural oils that keep the skin moisturized.

Here are some expert-approved tips for skin-friendly showers.

• Keep showers short. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes. "Longer showers strip more oils from the skin," says Ghias.

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• Use warm, not hot, water. One study in healthy volunteers found hot water (above 105.8 degrees F) exposure caused a much larger increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH, and redness than cold water, indicating greater skin barrier damage and irritation.

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• Focus on key areas. Dermatologists, including the American Academy of Dermatology, note that you don’t need to wash your entire body every day. "One useful approach is targeted washing, which means you just cleanse the areas that really need it, such as underarms, groin, feet, and anywhere that accumulates sweat," says Hu.

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• Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. These products clean the skin without disrupting the overall microbiome that naturally protects the skin from infections, while harsh soaps can disrupt the skin’s integrity and degrade its barrier over time. Look for words like “gentle,” “fragrance-free,” “for sensitive skin,” or “barrier protecting” on the cleanser’s label.

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• Skip rough tools. Exfoliating too aggressively is a common mistake that can compromise skin health. Gwinn advises against using physical exfoliation for cleansing, noting that "it can increase existing inflammation and acne." Ghias says to avoid loofahs or rough wash cloths, adding that minimal or light scrubbing can work much better.
• Moisturize immediately. "Moisturizing right after the shower with a fragrance-free moisturizer makes a big difference in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy," says Ghias. Your moisturizer should feel soothing and absorb comfortably, without burning or making your skin feel drier, she adds.

Going too long between showers allows sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells to accumulate, contributing to odor, irritation, and a dull appearance, says Hu.

Over-showering can be just as problematic. "Very frequent or long hot showers strip protective lipids and increase transepidermal water loss, making the barrier fragile," says Hu. As the barrier weakens, Hu explains, people (with or without eczema) often notice tightness or itchiness after showering, or find that products they used to tolerate now sting.

• There’s no universal rule for how often you should shower. Some people, such as teens, those with oily skin, and frequent gymgoers, may benefit from daily showers, while others, such as those with dry or mature skin, may do better with showering less frequently.
• How you shower matters as much as how often: short, lukewarm showers with gentle cleansers and prompt moisturizing are key for locking in moisture and preventing irritation.
• Use your skin as feedback. If it feels calm and hydrated, you’re in a good spot. If it feels tight or reactive, scale back on shower heat, length, or products.
• Talk to a dermatologist if you experience persistent or worsening skin symptoms like dryness, itching, redness, irritation, burning, stinging, or skin that reacts to showering or showering products and doesn’t improve with gentle care.