The shower routine, step by step

Quick answer Keep showers to about 5–10 minutes in warm, not hot, water. Wash and condition your hair first, then your face and body, shave last, pat dry and apply moisturizer within a few minutes while your skin is still damp.

A good shower cleans your skin without stripping it. The goal is to remove sweat, oil and product residue, then lock moisture back in. Here's an order that works for most people.

Before you step in

• Set the temperature: warm, not hot. Water close to body temperature, about 98–104°F (37–40°C), feels comfortable without stripping skin oils the way hot water does.
• Keep it short: 5–10 minutes is plenty. Longer, hotter showers dry out skin, especially in winter.
• Close the bathroom door to keep the air humid.
• Put your moisturizer within reach, so you can apply it as soon as you get out.
• If you dry brush, do it now, on dry skin.

The order, step by step

1. Rinse your body and hair for about 30 seconds.
2. Shampoo: massage it into your scalp, where the oil is, then rinse.
3. Condition the lengths and ends. Leave it on for the time on the label, often 1–3 minutes, and clip your hair up while it sits.
4. Rinse the conditioner well, tilting your head so it runs away from your back and chest.
5. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, your fingertips and lukewarm water. Keep your face out of the hottest spray. Some people prefer to do this at the sink, where it's easier to control the temperature.
6. Wash your body. Focus cleanser on the armpits, groin, feet and any sweaty areas. If your skin is dry, plain water is often enough on your arms, legs and torso. Choose a mild, fragrance-free body wash and skip deodorant soaps if you're dry.
7. Exfoliate only on your exfoliation days, 2–3 times a week at most for the body. See how often to exfoliate.
8. Shave last, when hair and skin are softest. See how to shave in the shower.
9. Final rinse. A cooler rinse is fine if you enjoy it, but it won't “close” your pores.

Washing your body after your hair rinses away shampoo and conditioner residue that can clog pores on your back and shoulders. More in how to shower without breakouts.

Right after the shower

1. Pat, don't rub. Use a clean towel and leave your skin slightly damp.
2. Moisturize within a few minutes, while your skin is still damp, to trap water in the skin. Creams and ointments hold in more moisture than light lotions.
3. Do your face routine: treatment, moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen. See skin care layering order.
4. Apply deodorant to fully dry underarms to reduce stinging.
5. Hang your towel spread out so it dries fully, and wash it at least once a week.

How often should you shower?

For many people, showering several times a week is enough. Daily showers are fine if you sweat, exercise or live somewhere hot and humid, and you should always shower soon after heavy sweating. If your skin is dry, keep daily showers short and warm, and use cleanser only where you need it.

Adjust for your skin

• Dry or eczema-prone skin: shorter showers, fragrance-free cleanser only where needed and a thick cream right after. See dry body skin and eczema-prone skin.
• Oily or acne-prone body: a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash on breakout areas. See body acne.
• Hot climates: a quick, lukewarm rinse after sweating is often better than a second long, soapy shower.

The two habits that help most: warm instead of hot water, and moisturizer on damp skin.