Why dermatologists recommend simplifying your shower routine for healthier skin

If your social media feed is filled with videos touting elaborate shower routines involving layers of soaps, scrubs, and oils, you’re not alone. But dermatologists say you might want to think twice before turning your bathroom into a spa-like laboratory.

Influencers may be fueling the trend, but experts warn that many of these viral shower regimens are not only unnecessary, they could actually damage your skin and waste valuable resources.

“I’m kind of appalled by the shower routines,” said Dr. Olga Bunimovich, a dermatologist and faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh. “People are overcomplicating a basic hygiene ritual, and in some cases, it’s doing more harm than good.”

Stripping your skin of its natural defenses

Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, a dermatologic surgeon at University of Iowa Health Care, says skin is more resilient than most people think—and less maintenance is often better.

“Your skin is a barrier. It’s one of the biggest barriers you have,” Negbenebor said. “Sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing.”

According to dermatologists, a good shower routine doesn’t require multiple cleansers, exfoliators, or antibacterial soaps. In fact, these habits can strip your skin of the natural oils that protect and hydrate it.

The recommendation? Keep it simple: a short daily shower with lukewarm water, a fragrance-free hypoallergenic cleanser, and a light layer of moisturizer or oil afterward.

The truth about double cleansing and antibacterial soap

Online trends often push “double cleansing” routines, which involve using two different cleansers—typically an oil-based one followed by a water-based formula. While this method can be effective for facial skincare, especially to remove makeup, it’s not necessary for your body.

“Not only do I not think that we need to double cleanse our skin,” Bunimovich said, “people overuse soap all the time.” Instead of scrubbing every inch of your body, dermatologists recommend focusing on key areas like the underarms, groin, and feet.

Antibacterial soaps, while popular, also come with a warning. They tend to dry out the skin and offer no real advantage for most users. Exceptions exist for people with specific skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic illness that causes painful skin abscesses. But for the average person, experts suggest sticking to gentle, sensitive-skin soaps.

Exfoliating? Proceed with caution

Exfoliation can help slough off dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smoother—but daily exfoliating, especially with rough loofahs or scrubs, can cause more problems than it solves.

“If you’re exfoliating too often or too aggressively, you’re likely to cause irritation,” said Dr. Lisa Akintilo, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health. Rashes, redness, or dry patches are clear signs you’re overdoing it.

For a gentler approach, dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants with ingredients like lactic or glycolic acid. Even then, moderation is key.

Saving your skin and the planet

Beyond the impact on skin health, extended showers and frequent product use also take a toll on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, showers account for nearly 17% of indoor water use in the United States. With several states currently experiencing drought conditions, experts urge Americans to cut back on water usage where they can—including by shortening their showers.

A five-to-eight-minute lukewarm shower should be sufficient for most people to cleanse effectively while preserving the skin’s natural barrier and reducing water waste.

Less really is more

Modern marketing and social media may make it seem like self-care means a counter full of products and a 30-minute shower routine. But dermatologists agree that healthy skin starts with simplicity.

Moisturize after your shower. Use a mild cleanser. Don’t scrub your skin raw. And most importantly, don’t feel pressured to mimic online trends that could do more harm than good.

“Good skin care doesn’t have to be complicated,” Akintilo said. “It just needs to be consistent and gentle.”