Although people love a hot shower, warm water is better than hot water to avoid drying out your skin (common mistake right there!). You also don't need to use soap everywhere, despite what you see in commercials. You really just need to soap up areas that get sweaty (and are likely to smell) like your armpits, groin, scalp, and feet. If your skin tends to be dry, you might not need to shower every day (a spot bath will do in many cases). After you shower, put on moisturizer while your skin is still wet. A common mistake that people make is waiting until their skin is dry. The evaporating water makes dryness worse (this is especially true for those with eczema). Moisturizers form a protective barrier on the skin and help to both attract and hold moisture in the skin, so you should put moisturizer on right away after your shower or bath. For most healthy people, taking regular showers or baths is really not likely to cause infection. If you have a healthy immune system, the risk of getting sick from your shower water is extremely low. There are a few exceptions. People with weakened immune systems (those getting cancer treatment, for instance), or people with long-term lung problems are at higher risk. This is because parts of your showerhead can collect slimy layers called biofilms. These biofilms can have bacteria and fungi in them, including types that can cause lung infections like nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Legionella, and Pseudomonas. These can get aerosolized during a shower, which means it is possible to breathe them in, so it is possible that at-risk people could get sick that way. However, if you are generally healthy, showering is highly unlikely to make you sick. You need a combination of a high amount of germs, an at-risk person, and the right environment conditions. If you are an at-risk person, you can lower your risk by cleaning your showerhead and running hot water before you get in. I want to stress that although frequent showering can increase your exposure to germs, generally healthy people should not worry about this as the risk of infection from showering is extremely low in healthy people.
One common myth about showering that I often see is "the cleaner, the better"- but overwashing can actually do more harm than good. Your skin has its own protective barrier: a collection of oils and good bacteria that protect against dryness, irritation and infection. When someone gets too many showers, or uses harsh soaps, they wash away that protective layer, and exacerbate conditions, including eczema flare-ups or chronic dryness. In general, a quick shower every other day is enough for good hygiene (unless you are sweating heavily or are usually outdoors), and most people like to do that by standing under the shower without getting anywhere with their hair. Areas such as the face, underarms, and groin can be lightly washed every day, while other areas would benefit from less frequent washing. I see so many patients alleviated from itchy or sensitive skin (if not more severe problems) just by switching to lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser and patting their body dry instead of wiping. It's a small change but it brings the skin into balance and lets it do what we designed the skin to do — protect you in its own natural way.
Hi ! A cardiometabolic wellness Cardiologist here. I can attest to the cardiovascular risks/benefits of cold vs hot showers and what to look for if you have any cardiac issues. Let me know if that interests you! Sirisha Vadali MD
Yes, you can wash your face in the shower, but make sure you do it properly so you don't damage your skin! Most people make the mistake of having the water too hot, which can disrupt their skin barrier, increasing dryness. I tell patients to use lukewarm water and avoid harsh scrubs. And right after your shower is prime time to apply your moisturizer. When skin is still slightly damp, it absorbs more effectively.
Showering frequently, or using very hot water, strips your natural oils and weakens your skin barrier. Using harsh soaps and scrubbing often increases irritation and inflammation that can impact your skin. Use warm water and mild cleansers to keep the skin clean but balanced. Apply a moisturizer immediately after showering, while the skin is still damp to seal in hydration and enhance repair. A simple, but effective adaptation to a warm shower is to end with a brief rinse in a cool water. This will improve circulation, calm inflammation, and, can even help regulate your body temperature. Although they might seem minor, these simple adaptations will protect your skin barrier and support recovery and your skin health.