Most dermatologists say that your shower should last between 5 and 10 minutes to cleanse and hydrate your skin, but no longer than 15 minutes to avoid drying it out.

 

 

You can still benefit from the shower length you prefer, whether long and luxurious, quick and efficient, or somewhere in the middle. However, it’s important to switch your shower routine up so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

 

 

Discover how the amount of time you spend in the shower can impact your health‌. How long your shower should last depends on your goals, your overall health, and any skin conditions you might have.

Some days you just need to unwind and indulge in a long, relaxing shower—but be aware of how often you take them, so you can reap the benefits without causing damage.

 

 

The Positives of Long Showers

• Fall Asleep Faster: Taking a long, hot nighttime shower just before bed artificially raises your body temperature, so the sudden drop in core body temperature afterward can help you get to sleep faster. 
• Soothe Aching Muscles: A long, hot shower after a workout can ease muscle tension, put you in a relaxed state of mind, and relieve stress. 
• Improve Cold Symptoms: When you’re sick, the steam from a hot shower can help relieve your runny nose and congestion. 

 

 

The Negatives of Long Showers

 

 

• Dry Out Skin: Taking a warm or hot shower for an extended period strips away your skin’s natural oils and opens up your pores for moisture to escape. Applying a body moisturizer immediately after your shower can help rehydrate your skin.
• Worsen Skin Conditions: If you have psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, a long shower can damage your skin’s natural barriers and increase the symptoms. Instead, take shorter, lukewarm showers.
• Can Cause Dizziness: A hot shower can lower your blood pressure because the heat dilates peripheral blood vessels. If you stay in the shower for too long, you may start to feel lightheaded.

 

Short, efficient showers are essential when you’re busy and only have time for a quick rinse. But while you may be in and out in record time, under-showering also comes with a few downsides.

The Positives of Short Showers

 

 

• Boost Skin and Hair Health: Shortening your shower time can help preserve your skin and hair’s natural oils, so you stay soft and hydrated.
• Increase Alertness: Short, cold showers can boost alertness, improve circulation, and speed up muscle recovery. 
• Save Water: Taking a five-minute shower can dramatically conserve water in the bathroom. Typically, you’d only use 12.5 gallons of water compared to the 20 gallons used during the average eight-minute shower.

 

 

The Negatives of Short Showers 

 

 

• Emit More Body Odor: Body odor occurs when sweat and bacteria on your skin meet. If you’re too focused on speed, you may under-wash or miss important body odor-prone areas such as the underarms and groin. 
• Increased Skin Conditions: If you don’t wash enough, it can cause a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and sweat on your skin. This may trigger acne and an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. 
• Inflamed Scalp Conditions: Underwashing your hair leaves it oily and dull-looking, which can lead to dandruff and other scalp conditions.