Social media is full of elaborate shower routines involving daily scrubs, double cleansing, scented products, and long water sessions. But dermatologists warn that these multi-step rituals may do more harm than good — to both your skin and the environment.
Dr. Olga Bunimovich, a dermatology professor at the University of Pittsburgh, finds the trend troubling. “I’m kind of appalled by the shower routines,” she said.
Experts say basic hygiene is enough. Over-cleansing can strip away natural oils, damage your skin’s protective barrier, and lead to dryness and irritation.
“Your skin is one of your body’s best natural barriers,” said Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, a dermatologic surgeon at University of Iowa Health Care. “Too much cleansing can harm that barrier.”
Here’s what dermatologists recommend for a healthy, low-maintenance shower routine.
Keep Showers Simple and Short
A good daily shower doesn’t need to be complicated. Use lukewarm water, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, and follow up with a hydrating lotion or body oil. Avoid hot water and long showers — both can strip your skin of moisture.
“Less is more,” experts agree. Most people only need to wash areas like the armpits, groin, and skin folds. The rest of the body can often just be rinsed with water.
Choose Soaps Carefully
Opt for a cleanser made for sensitive skin. Avoid strong antibacterial soaps unless advised by a doctor. These products can be harsh on healthy skin, though they may help people with certain conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, which causes painful skin lesions.
Body oils can help seal in moisture after showering — but remember, they don’t replace actual hydration. “Oil locks in water; it doesn’t add it,” said Dr. Negbenebor.
“Double Cleansing” Isn’t Necessary for Your Body
Influencers often promote “double cleansing” — using an oil-based cleanser first, then a water-based one. But this is meant for removing makeup from the face, not for full-body use.
“Not only do I not think we need to double cleanse our body,” said Dr. Bunimovich, “people overuse soap all the time.” She recommends washing only the essential areas and avoiding soap on the rest of the body.
Be Cautious with Exfoliation
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, but doing it daily can be damaging — especially for those with dry skin, eczema, or acne.
Physical exfoliants, like scrubs or loofahs, should be used sparingly. Too much can cause rashes or irritation. Chemical exfoliants, like products with glycolic or lactic acid, are gentler — but also shouldn’t be used too frequently.
Watch for signs like redness, flaking, or irritation. These could mean you’re exfoliating too often.
Help the Planet: Take Shorter Showers
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that showers account for about 17% of indoor water use in U.S. homes. With many regions facing drought, shorter showers are encouraged.
A lukewarm shower that’s just long enough to wash essential areas is usually enough — and better for both your skin and the planet.
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