There’s something soothing about standing under warm running water, letting the stress of the day wash away.

For many, a shower is more than just hygiene—it’s a ritual, a moment of calm, or even an act of self-care.

But in a world obsessed with “everything showers” and long pampering routines, it’s easy to lose track of how much time you’re actually spending there. What feels relaxing to the mind might not be as kind to your skin, your wallet, or the planet.


According to dermatologists, the sweet spot for shower time is between five and ten minutes—and that’s on the longer end.

Dr. Nada Elbuluk, a professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Southern California, explained that while cleansing is essential for removing dirt and bacteria, overwashing can backfire.

“Overwashing the skin may strip natural oils and lead to excessive dryness,” she said, emphasizing the need to avoid hot water and long exposure.


Fellow dermatologist Dr. Mojgan Hosseinipour added that only certain “hot spots,” like the armpits, groin, feet, and face, require daily scrubbing, especially after workouts or in humid climates.

Experts agree that the “everything shower” trend—filled with scrubs, serums, and endless steps—does more harm than good when done too often.

Hosseinipour advised keeping routines simple and gentle, noting that excessive exfoliation or overuse of products can damage the skin barrier.


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“Occasionally adding a few extra steps to create a spa-like self-care experience can be enjoyable,” she said, “but regularly taking an everything shower isn’t necessary.”

The best skincare strategy, she added, is consistency over complexity. Beyond the bathroom mirror, long showers also carry significant environmental consequences.

Prolonged water use contributes to global shortages and strains energy systems that heat and transport water.



The United Nations projects that by 2030, global freshwater demand will exceed supply by 40%, underscoring how even personal habits have a global impact.

The Alliance for Water Efficiency reports that the average US shower lasts about 7.8 minutes and uses nearly 16 gallons of water—meaning a 45-minute “everything shower” can waste more than 100 gallons in one go.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that cutting shower time from 10 minutes to five can save up to 12 gallons of water per person.


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That not only benefits the planet but also trims energy and water bills for households. In fact, experts say reducing shower time can save between $37 and $500 annually.

To make it easier, dermatologists suggest preparing supplies before turning on the faucet, turning off the water while shaving or deep-conditioning, or timing showers with a short playlist or five-minute timer.

Read next:

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• You Won't Believe These 10 Weird Hygiene Habits from History—Are You Glad They're Gone?

A warm shower can still be a peaceful reset—just a shorter one. With mindful timing and a simple routine, you can preserve both your skin’s balance and your environmental footprint. Maybe the next time you turn on the water, you’ll ask yourself: could I make this a five-minute moment instead?