Recently, there was a lot of public discussion about the correct way to take a shower – facing towards it or with your back to it. Now, scientists from leading American clinics and universities have decided to clarify another equally important aspect of water immersion – what time of day is best to take a shower? Their recommendations were published in the medical journal “Health”.
Who Should Shower in the Morning?
According to dermatology specialists at the Rutgers Medical School, morning showers are particularly beneficial for those who sweat heavily at night. Water helps wash away bacteria and dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin.
Taking a morning shower also helps a person wake up and become more alert.
“To wake up, the body relies on certain signals, and a morning shower can be one of them. And if this happens every day, at the same time, it can serve as a daily marker to help feel more alert,” writes the publication, citing Dr. Winter, a neurologist, and sleep expert at the Charlottesville Sleep Center W. Christopher Winter.
The effect will be stronger if you take a cold shower instead of a hot one, says Winter. The body will release neurotransmitters faster, including dopamine – the hormone of happiness and well-being, the scientist explained.
In addition to being a wake-up signal for the body, a morning shower is also the most logical and convenient choice for those who run or exercise immediately after waking up, the article says.
Who Should Shower in the Evening?
An evening shower not only refreshes after a long workday but also washes away dirt and harmful bacteria from the skin. It is especially recommended for people whose activities involve physical exertion.
“This allows you to fall asleep without dirtying the sheets,” noted Dr. Tsaihner, a clinical and cosmetic research director at the Mount Sinai Hospital Dermatology Department.
In addition, if you or your loved ones have weakened immunity, you can wash away any germs you may have picked up outside, believes Dr. Russo, a professor and head of the infectious diseases department at the University of Buffalo.
It is also beneficial to shower in the evenings for those suffering from seasonal allergies or skin conditions such as eczema.
“Environmental factors such as irritants and pollution can exacerbate some skin conditions. If you are frequently exposed to these things, it might be a good idea to take a shower at night to remove them from your skin,” said Dr. Vassef, an associate professor of dermatology at the Rutgers Medical School.
Another reason why people choose evening showers is to facilitate the transition to sleep.
When to take a shower – in the morning or in the evening, everyone decides for themselves, taking into account their preferences, sleep problems, daily schedule, physical activity, and medical indications, say scientists. However, they add that “attempts to do both are most likely unnecessary or even harmful.”
“Showering too often can lead to dry and dull skin and hair,” explained Dr. Vassef.If you have to shower twice a day or more, doctors recommend switching to milder skin care products, such as cleansing oils, instead of soap.
Remember that the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being in Russia urged citizens to spend no more than five minutes in the shower. Firstly, this can save this invaluable resource, and secondly, reduce the numbers on your bills.