Showering in the morning before work is a well-established practice, but with the rise of post-Covid home-working the need for a morning wash is less pressing than it used to be. No longer having to trudge into the office every morning, means Brits can afford to skip the morning rinse and instead opt for a shower at night before bed.
Now a doctor has given their expert opinion on whether the night-time shower carries more health and wellness benefits than hopping in in the morning. Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor, told Glamour that a pre-work scrub may be popular “it awakens the senses and refreshes you ready for the day ahead”.
Dr Giuseppe went on to tell the publication that beyond making night-time showerers feel more relaxed before going to bed, showering after a long day can be better for your health too.
The doctor explained: “The main benefit of night-time showers, however, is that during the day, your body and your hair can collect airborne allergens and irritants, dirt and grime, especially in the summer months from pollen, chemicals and sweat.
“So if you go to bed without showering, these will then transfer to your bed and sheets and may not only promote dirty bedding and night time allergies but could also cause itchy, irritated and dry skin as well as facial skin issues such as acne due to dirty sheets and pillow cases from day time oil and dirt.”
As well as the pros and cons of showering at different times, the length of a shower is important as well. Dermatologist Emma Amoafo-Mensah argues it should be less than ten minutes.
“Many people are spending too long in the shower, the optimal time spent should be less than ten minutes,” she told the Metro newspaper.
“Spending longer than this increases the chances of your skin feeling dry and irritated, especially if the water is too hot and you’re prone to dry skin.”
