I'm working on a series that addresses popular questions/concerns readers have about showering. I'm looking for US-based doctors (specifically, dermatologists, PCPs and infectious disease specialists) to answer questions related to showering best practices, mistakes, etc.

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.

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

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.

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.

There's no one-size-fits-all rule for how often to shower—it really depends on skin type, hair type, body size, and lifestyle. Some people can shower every other day and maintain healthy skin, while others—especially those who sweat more, exercise daily, or live in humid climates—need to shower more often to avoid bacterial buildup or body odor. Skin type plays a huge role. People with oily or acne-prone skin might benefit from more frequent cleansing, while those with dry or sensitive skin should avoid over-showering since it strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier. Using gentle, pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizing right after can help prevent dryness and irritation. Hair is another variable. Hair texture, scalp oil production, and cultural norms all influence how often it should be washed. For example, people with coarse or curly hair often wash less frequently to preserve natural oils, while those with fine or oily hair may need to shampoo daily. The type of shampoo also matters—some contain essential oils or higher pH ingredients that clean aggressively but can dry out the scalp if overused. Body size and sweat rate factor in, too. Heavier individuals or those who sweat more may need to shower more often simply for comfort and hygiene. Conversely, someone sedentary or in a cooler climate can go longer without issue. Ultimately, showering is about balance—cleaning without stripping. For most people, once daily or every other day is sufficient. What matters most is using products appropriate for your skin and hair type and maintaining a consistent moisturizing routine. —Pouyan Golshani, MD | Interventional Radiologist

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.

Most dermatologists, PCPs, and infectious-disease specialists would agree that showering should balance cleanliness with skin protection. How often you shower depends on your lifestyle, for example you should shower daily if you sweat or get dirty, every few days if not. Keep showers short at around 5-10 min and use lukewarm water. Hot and long showers strip our natural oils and can damage the skin barrier. I recommend using gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleansers and to focus soap on key areas like your armpits, groin, and feet. Harsh scrubbing can irritate the skin and loofahs and brushes can harbor bacteria. For those with eczema or dry skin, I recommend using minimal soap and to moisturize immediately after showering while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. For those with acne or sweat-related breakouts, shower as soon as possible after exercising. Balanced hygiene is important since over-washing can harm the skin barrier, while neglecting cleansing can increase the risk of infection. Also, ensure to clean your showerhead, replace loofahs, and ventilate regularly to prevent mold. After showering, you should pat dry rather than rub the skin dry and apply moisturizer within two minutes to lock in hydration. If you need to shave, I recommend shaving after washing when skin is softened. Overall, showering should be gentle, efficient, and tailored to your skin and activity levels to clean yourself properly while preserving your body's natural defenses.