How Often Should You Really Shower During Winter?
It depends — but probably less than you think.
When it’s cold, wet, and dark, the motivation to jump into the shower drops faster than the temperature outside.
And yet — every winter like clockwork — people start asking me: “How often should I actually be showering right now?” My answer: It depends — but probably less than you think.
Why Your Skin Hates Winter
In colder months, your skin barrier is already under stress. The cold air outside, combined with dry indoor heating, strips moisture from your skin.
Add in long, hot showers and harsh cleansers, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for:
Dry, flaky skin
Itchiness (aka “winter skin”)
Inflamed, sensitive patches
Compromised skin barrier (which can lead to more breakouts and irritation)
So yes, hygiene is important. But over-washing can actually do more harm than good — especially in winter.
So, How Often Should You Shower?
Here’s a general guide (not one-size-fits-all):
Most people can shower every 2 days during winter, especially if they’re not sweating much or exposing skin to environmental pollutants.
Daily showers are fine — if you’re keeping them short, lukewarm, and using gentle products.
Athletes, gym-goers, or heavy sweaters? You’ll need to shower daily — but still protect your skin barrier.
Hair washing? 1–3 times per week is plenty for most people, depending on your scalp type.
The key isn’t how often you shower. It’s how you shower.
How to Shower Smart in Winter
If you're going to do it — do it well:
Keep it short — 5 to 10 minutes max
Lukewarm water only — hot water strips your skin’s natural oils
Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers — especially for face and body
Skip the soap on dry areas — no need to lather your whole body every time
Moisturise immediately — within 60 seconds of towelling off, while skin is still damp
Avoid over-exfoliating — once a week is plenty during winter for most skin types
What About Skincare?
Winter is the season of barrier repair. I recommend switching to:
A hydrating cream cleanser or milk-based cleanser for the face
A non-foaming, fragrance-free body wash
A rich moisturiser with ceramides or plant oils
Ultra antioxidants — to fight inflammation and support repair at the cellular level
If your skin feels tight after you shower, it’s a sign you’ve stripped away too much — not that you’ve cleaned yourself properly.
TL;DR
You don’t need to shower every day in winter unless you’re sweating or getting dirty — and daily showers might actually dry out and damage your skin.
When you do shower, keep it short, lukewarm, and barrier-friendly.
Because no one wants to spend the season itchy, flaky, and regretting that third steaming-hot rinse.