How Often Should You Shower?

Showering regularly is one of those unquestioned adult habits, somewhere between flossing your teeth and paying taxes. But according to dermatologists, a lot of guys are getting it wrong—either scrubbing themselves bone-dry or stretching things a little too far between rinses. The sweet spot lies somewhere in between: clean enough to not offend your co-workers, but not so intense that your skin starts crying for help.

Here’s how often dermatologists say you should actually shower. Plus: a few habits worth stealing for healthier skin.

How often do you need to shower?

For most adults, daily showers are fine. In some cases, every other day can also work. The ideal frequency depends on factors like your skin type, lifestyle, and environment. “People who sweat heavily, exercise daily, or work in dirty environments may need to shower more often, while those with dry or sensitive skin may do better with less frequent full showers,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City and Long Island.

Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, says age also changes the equation. “Men tend to have higher sebum production and better baseline hydration when they’re younger, so they tolerate daily showers well,” she says. But around age 40 to 50, those advantages begin to taper off. Dryness and irritation become more common, and daily showers may suddenly feel less forgiving.

People with chronic skin conditions also tend to do better with showering less often. “Every exposure to water increases transepidermal water loss, which can end up worsening dryness, irritation, and eczema,” says Dr. Kobets.

Risks of showering too often (or not often enough)

Some guys prefer to shower several times a day—maybe to rise and shine, rinse off after a run, and reset before heading to bed. That’s not inherently a problem, but it heightens the risk of disrupting your skin barrier. “This is more likely if you use hot water, harsh soaps, or take long showers,” says Dr. Camp. The same goes if your skin is dry or reactive. If multiple showers a day are non-negotiable, Dr. Kobets says just one cleanse should be thorough. You should limit any others to a quick rinse.

Not showering often enough comes with its own set of issues. A buildup of sweat, bacteria, and debris can show up as body odor, folliculitis, body acne, and even fungal overgrowth in more occluded areas like the underarms and groin, says Dr. Kobets.

“It’s really about balance,” she says. “Overdoing it can strip the barrier, but too little hygiene can lead to congestion and irritation.”

Should you always shower after working out?

For most gym-goers, the workout basically dictates the shower schedule. But if this currently isn’t the case, should it be?

If you’ve worked up a sweat, you should aim for a quick post-sweat rinse at the very least. “Letting sweat sit on the skin for hours can trigger breakouts and irritation,” Dr. Kobets warns. If your workout left you drenched, cleansing high-sweat areas like the chest, back, underarms, and groin—if not a full top-to-toe wash—is in your best interest.

Don’t have time for a post-gym shower? Spritz on some hypochlorous acid, which boasts antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.