Everyone has their own shower habits and routines.
Some shower on waking before breakfast,
some after,
Some shower as soon as they reach home,
Some just before turning in for the night.
Whatever your preference, the AM shower versus the PM shower is a long standing debate.
Let’s find out if there are any scientific benefits to showering at night versus in the morning?
Morning showers pros & cons:
People who swear by morning showers will tell you that there is no better start to the day than a cool rinse under the shower.
 Pros:
- A morning shower is a refreshing wake-up call. It will wash away the grogginess, sleep and leave you feeling refreshed to face the day. Research has even shown that cool morning showers boost productivity through the day.
- Morning showers wash off sweat and bacteria. Humans tend to sweat at night. When you wake up in the morning, it might be a nice idea to wash off all the sitting sweat, bacteria and sebum off your skin.
- There are many benefits of washing your hair in the AM. You can wash away excess oils and dirt from the previous night and feel clean. Your hair will be cleansed and ready to style, not to mention the feel good factor that comes as an added bonus.
- Showering in the morning increases your metabolic rate by shocking your body into action. It makes you more alert.
- From a purely mental point of view, for those who have a hard time waking up in the morning, a shower as soon as you wake up can prolong your dreaming abit and make a big difference to a slow wake-up.
Cons:
- You might go to bed on the dirtier side if you prefer morning showers. The dirt, grime, grease and debris from the day accumulate on your skin along with your skin products and bodily oils. If you go to bed without even a rinse off, you’re taking many a bacteria to bed with you.
Evening showers pros & cons
Pros:
- You are going to sleep with clean skin. An evening shower helps you wash off all the dirt and grime from the day, literally and figuratively.
- An evening shower is a soothing way to wind down. It relaxes you and prepares your body for sleep. Many people find an evening shower very soothing, for the skin and senses.
- For hygiene purposes, showering at night removes dirt, oil and germs from your skin and hair. It keeps you clean and can prevent infections and keep your skin immunity high.
- For those who struggle with insomnia, a warm shower at night is highly recommended. The body naturally cools down around bedtime. A shower before bed, artificially raises your body’s temperature which allows it to cool down faster and hasten sleep.
 Cons:
- Don’t get carried away in the shower. Long, steamy showers might seem like a good idea, until it’s not. The hot water can damage your hair and skin if exposed to it for too long.
Why not the best of both worlds?
One possible compromise is showering twice a day. Doing so twice a day doesn’t damage your skin and scalp, as long as both showers are quick and at the right temperature one a rinse, one a long soapy bath.
If you go to the gym after work, sweat during the day, use public transportation or work outdoors, showering before bed is a good idea. The build up of sweat, oils and bacteria from the day will do you no good, not to mention the body odour. Tucking into bed squeaky clean with comfortable breathing clothes, preps you up for a good nights rest.
A shower in the morning washed off all the bacteria and sebum from the night before. Your skin will feel cleansed, your body will be refreshed and your mind awake. A cool shower in the morning is never a bad idea.
But remember- showering too often can dry out your skin and hair, especially if you use water or suffer from dry skin or skin conditions.
What’s the verdict?
Ultimately, it’s up to you.
At the end of the day, by nature, humans are creatures of habit. It’s about knowing the pros and cons, weighing your options and doing what is best and most suited for you. Just make sure your shower leaves you refreshed.
