You may have seen viral “everything shower” routines trending on your social feeds. These detailed tutorials promise glowing skin, shiny hair, and total relaxation. But do you really need to invest in all of those products for proper hygiene?
Let’s break down what an everything shower is, whether it’s good for you, and what dermatologists recommend for proper hygiene.
What Is an Everything Shower?
An everything shower is an extended shower routine in which you do all your grooming steps at once. This might include:
- Applying oils, serums, or lotions.
- Double cleansing your body.
- Exfoliating your skin with a scrub or glove.
- Moisturizing from head to toe.
- Shampooing and conditioning your hair.
- Shaving.
- Using a face mask.
- Using a hair mask.
These showers can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. The overall intention is to have a full self-care experience.
Do I Need an Everything Shower Routine?
The short answer? No, you don’t need an hourlong shower and dozens of products to stay clean and healthy.
A basic shower with soap and water is enough for most people. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), plain soap and water are just as effective as antibacterial soaps at removing germs.
You don’t need to exfoliate every day or use multiple products to have healthy skin.
Can Everything Shower Routines Do More Harm Than Good?
Yes, they can — there are several reasons to avoid an excessive shower routine.
1. Overuse of products
Using lots of different soaps, scrubs, and creams can irritate your skin. Some products may not work well together. Others may dry out your skin or cause breakouts.
2. Wasted water and products
Long showers use a lot of water. That’s not great for the environment — or your water bill. Using too many products also creates more plastic waste and can get expensive.
3. Skin damage
Excessive scrubbing or over-exfoliating can damage your skin. It can lead to redness, dryness, or even infections, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
4. False sense of cleanliness
Some people think more products mean better hygiene. But that’s not true. Soap and warm water function just as well, if not better, than lathering with higher-end scented soaps and scrubs.
What’s a Good Skin Care Routine?
You don’t need a long list of steps to take care of your skin. Try this simple, dermatologist-approved routine you can follow once a day or every other day.
Step 1: Shower with warm (not hot) water
Hot water can dry out your skin. Keep your shower short to save water.
Step 2: Use a gentle cleanser
Choose a mild soap or body wash. Avoid products with strong fragrances or alcohol.
Step 3: Use a washcloth
A clean washcloth can gently exfoliate your skin. But don’t scrub too hard. Always use a fresh, clean cloth each time to prevent the spread of germs.
Step 4: Shampoo and condition as needed
You don’t need to wash your hair every day. Two to three times a week is enough for most people.
Step 5: Shave carefully (if you shave)
Use a clean razor and shaving cream or gel. Shave in the direction your hair grows to avoid cuts and bumps.
Step 6: Pat dry with a towel
Don’t harshly rub your skin dry. Gently pat it with a clean towel.
Step 7: Moisturize right away
Apply lotion or cream while your skin is still damp to help lock in moisture.
Can Everything Showers Harm My Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier is like a shield. It keeps moisture in and harmful things like bacteria and allergens out.
When your skin is healthy, it feels soft, smooth, and calm. When it’s damaged, your skin may feel dry, itchy, or irritated.
If your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky, it’s a possible sign your barrier needs a break. Try simplifying your routine and using fewer products until your skin feels better.
What if I Still Want to Take an Everything Shower?
If you enjoy everything showers as a form of self-care, that’s OK — just take a smart approach to how often you do them and what products you use.
Try limiting your full ritual to once a week or less. This gives your skin time to recover and helps you avoid over-exfoliating or drying out your skin barrier.
On other days, stick to a simple routine with gentle soap, warm water, and moisturizer.
Always choose products that are fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin. Look for labels that say “noncomedogenic” (won’t clog pores) or “dermatologist-tested.” Avoid using multiple exfoliants or harsh scrubs in one shower.
Also, think about the environment. Try turning off the water while shaving or applying a mask. Use reusable washcloths or gloves instead of disposable wipes. And only use what you need — a little product goes a long way.
Everything showers may look fun on social media, but they’re not necessary for good hygiene. In fact, they’re often wasteful, expensive, and even harmful to your skin.
A simple shower with gentle soap, warm water, and a little moisturizer is all most people need. To make a simple shower feel more special, try lighting a candle or playing music.
If you’re unsure about the best ways to care for your skin, talk to a dermatologist.
Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Skip the Antibacterial Soap; Use Plain Soap and Water. Accessed September 2025. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/skip-antibacterial-soap-use-plain-soap-and-water/ FDA.gov