Top dermatologists agree that a daily shower, whether in the morning or evening, is all that is necessary to maintain personal hygiene and good health. However, if you choose one over the other, your judgmental peers may label you a pig.
Dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic Alok Vij, M.D., tells Nexstar that “if you question a hundred different doctors, you’re going to receive a hundred different responses.” However, “in many circumstances, it’s more a matter of personal choice.”
But Vij says he thinks there’s a “definitive” answer to the question of whether it’s better to shower in the morning or the evening in terms of general hygiene, though he added that his response is qualified in various ways.
Important To Shower Before Bed
To paraphrase what Vij said: “I think it’s vital to shower before bed if you’ve gotten dirty or obviously soiled or if you’ve used any type of chemical spray – an insect repellent, sunscreen, anything with perfumes or chemical additions.” “If you haven’t, if you’ve been living a clean life and you didn’t work out … there’s not necessarily a better time to shower.”
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Skin Problems Benefit From Nighttime Showers
Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Dawn Marie Davis believes that a shower is necessary if the skin has become “dirty, itchy, or sweaty.”
To help remove irritants from the skin and aid in sleep hygiene, “certain patients with sensitive skin, and notably those with atopic dermatitis (eczema).”
Patients with eczema or psoriasis may get relief from itching by taking a shower at night before using topical treatments, as suggested by Vij. (Vij notes that mild moisturizers and topical medicines can be left on the skin overnight).
However, leading dermatologists have some bad news for those who believe a pre-bedtime shower will guarantee spotless sheets: No matter how often you wash, your bed is going to be full of perspiration and dead skin cells.
How Much You Sweat A Year
According to a WebMD article examined by dermatologists, the average individual loses almost half a billion dead skin cells daily. According to Vij, that’s one gram or more every time you go to bed.
In addition, you lose roughly 26 gallons of water each year from perspiration while you sleep. While Vij says the sweat itself is sterile, it often