Here's How to Optimize Your Everything Showers, According to Dermatologists

Here's How to Optimize Your Everything Showers, According to Dermatologists

A new trend, the “everything shower,” has taken over TikTok, garnering over 112 million views so far. This type of shower covers a variety of tasks, from shampoo and conditioner to lip scrubs and facials. Dermatologists note that some key aspects of an "everything shower," particularly the water temperature and the time spent showering, are considered important to skin health.

People are upgrading their shower routines and trading in their quick rinses for longer cleanses that touch on all aspects of personal hygiene. The trend, dubbed "everything showers," has exploded on TikTok, garnering over 112 million views and counting.

All showering is exactly what it sounds like: instead of washing your hair and body, you cleaneverything. Yes, there's still shaving and shampooing, but there are also deep conditioning masks, exfoliants, and foot scrubs—not to mention pre- and post-shower routines.

According to experts, an all-purpose shower is a great way to care for yourself while meeting numerous body and skin care needs. "While showering primarily addresses physical concerns, the therapeutic benefits of self-care can also improve mental health," said Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New YorkHealth.

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How to take an all-purpose shower

If you browse TikTok, you'll find tons of suggestions for your everything shower routine. Many people divide their entire shower into three parts: the pre-shower prep, the shower, and the post-shower routine.

Use your prep time to set the mood. Turn on some music or a podcast, light a candle, set up your hair and skin care products, and relax. The shower itself can include anything from the typical shower activities like shampooing and shaving to facial masks, skin exfoliating conditioners, hair care masks and foot scrubs.

"You might consider using a cleansing shampoo once a week to remove excess residue and oil, using a nail brush to remove buildup under the nails, using a hair mask to provide intensive moisture and nourishment, using a foot rasp to remove calluses, and using a body scrub to exfoliate," suggested Dr. Camp in front.

All shower to-do list

While the shower meets everyone's specific wants and needs, here are a few items to consider adding to your shower of everything to-do list:

Shampoo and conditionerHair maskShavingFace washFace maskLip peelingNail fileBody peelingMoisturizing lotion

Rebecca Marcus, MD, a dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates, emphasized the importance of washing your face last to remove any cosmetic products that may have gotten on your face while showering.

And if there's one thing you should focus on during your post-shower routine, it's moisturizing (think lotions, serums, and oils). "Applying a moisturizer within two to three minutes of getting out of the shower seals the skin barrier and locks in moisture and moisture from the shower," recommended Dr. Marcus.

Ultimately, not the order of your shower tasksReallymatter, noted Vladyslava Doctor, MD, a dermatologist and owner of Skin Center Boston. “It depends on personal preference and what works best for each individual’s routine.”

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Make the most of an everything shower

There are a few things you should do to ensure your shower is more helpful than harmful.

The first step is to make sure you use lukewarm water. The ideal temperature is between 98 and 105 degrees, explained Dr. Marcus. If the water is too hot, it can strip oil from the skin, leaving your skin dehydrated and irritated.

"Using hot water can trigger the release of histamine in the body, which can cause skin irritation and itching," said Dr. Doctor. In fact, you might benefit from a cooler rinse. Research suggests that cold showers—even if you just turn the faucet on cold for 30 to 90 seconds—can improve quality of life and work productivity.

Another important note: While you may see some people on TikTok saying their showers last up to four hours, you actually don't want to be in the shower for that long. "Spending too much time in the shower can strip oil from the skin," explained Dr. Camp.

You want to keep some oil on your skin because it helps keep it soft and moisturized. According to Dr. Camp, the ideal shower time is about 10 minutes. If you have dry skin, you'll want to pay even closer attention to how long your all-purpose shower lasts. “It is advisable to limit shower time so as not to dry out your skin too much,” agreed Dr. Marcus too.

For most people, it's best to shower everything once a week. While the frequency will vary depending on each person's schedule and personal hygiene needs, too many all-purpose showers could become too irritating for your skin, noted Dr. Camp.

Anything showered in moderation can be a great way to practice self-care. “Self-care is an important part of strengthening your own self-confidence,” emphasized Dr. Marcus, it “[it] means beauty radiating from the inside out.”

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