Morning Showers vs Night Showers: Which is best?

It’s time to tackle a debate as old as time: Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Whether you’re a rise-and-shine scrubber or an evening exfoliator, there's plenty to be said for both sides. So, let’s break it down and see if we can find a winner. 

The Case for Morning Showers

Wake-Up Call
Morning showers are like a jolt of caffeine for your body. They wake you up, get the blood flowing, and prepare you mentally for the day ahead. If you’re not a morning person, that blast of water can be just the ticket to shake off sleepiness. According to Dr. Janet K. Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert, a morning shower can boost alertness and prepare you mentally for the day ahead as the slight increase in body temperature from a warm shower helps you wake up faster and feel more energized.​

Fresh Start
Hitting the shower first thing means you start your day clean and fresh. If you’re someone who sweats during the night or enjoys a morning workout, this is a no-brainer. Nobody wants to go to work smelling like yesterday and your office mates are probably definitely not down for your post-workout funk. So, if breakfast burpees are on the docket before you head to work, definitely wash up.

Skin Benefits
Morning showers can be particularly beneficial for those with oily skin. Washing your face and body in the morning can remove the overnight buildup of oils, which can help prevent acne and give your skin a cleaner, healthier appearance.

The Case for Night Showers

Relax and Unwind
Showering at night can be incredibly relaxing. It’s a great way to wash off the stress of the day and signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests that a night shower can also help you relax and prepare for sleep because the warm water soothes muscles and reduces tension, making it easier to fall asleep. The body's natural cooling process after a warm shower can also help you fall asleep faster as it can help with syncing with your circadian rhythm​.

Clean Sheets, Better Sleep
Think about what you're facing every day and bringing home—sweat, pollution, dirt. Showering at night means you wash all that daily sauce before hitting the sack, keeping your bed cleaner and more hygienic. This can be particularly beneficial if you suffer from allergies or skin irritations. Back to that whole point about exercise too, obviously if you’re a post-work evening exerciser, showering after you get your sweat is mandatory for hygienic reasons. Not to mention your roommates or significant other will probably demand it too.

Better for Your Hair
There are also some hair-related considerations in this equation. In addition to a clean and lathered head of lettuce after a long day, showering at night allows your hair to dry naturally while you sleep, reducing the need for blow-drying and minimizing heat damage. Plus, if you’re just a towel off and roll guy, you won’t have to deal with that awkward hair icicle situation when you step out into the morning cold.

The Verdict?

Drumroll…the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your lifestyle, skin type, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick side by side:

• Morning Showers: Best for early risers, those with oily skin, or anyone needing a wake-up boost.
• Night Showers: Ideal for winding down, keeping your bed clean, and reducing hair damage.

Porque no los dos?
Now here’s the real answer….both is probably the best move for most. Consider the double dip a best of both worlds: a quick rinse in the morning to wake up and a relaxing shower at night to wind down and wash off the day. One quick caveat, be mindful of your skin's health and moisture levels, especially if you have sensitive skin. Too much hot water showering can contribute to skin dryness, especially in cold weather or drier climates. So, make sure you’re taking the necessary moisturizing steps post shower as well, but that’s another discussion altogether.

Ultimately, whether you shower in the morning or at night is up to you, both have their perks and neither is inherently superior. So, experiment with both routines and see what works best for you. And remember, the key is consistency and using good-quality grooming products to keep your skin and hair in top condition.