Just like the pro-chocolatines and staunch defenders of the pain au chocolat, the debate about the ideal time for a shower routine has divided us into two or even three groups. On one hand, there are those who cannot start their day unless they’ve taken their morning shower. On the other hand, some prefer their shower after a long day of work, as an aide to unwind and relax. The third group are the fencesitters, who enjoy a quick rinse both in the morning and the evening. With all these available preferences, it’s hard to determine the ideal time for this hygienic moment. Dr. Giuseppe Aragona weighed in on this issue in an interview with the UK edition of Glamour.

And the ideal time to shower is…

So what’s better, a morning or evening shower? According to the doctor, it’s best to favor an evening shower. He explains, “While a morning shower might be most popular because it wakes the senses and prepares you for the coming day, it’s not necessarily the best choice.” In their expert opinion, showering in the evening can help you relax, ease tension and more importantly, wash off the accumulated grime and bacteria of the day. In particular, after a long day of perspiring, moving between different modes of transport and public spaces, we collect a lot of dirt that we bring into our homes. Hence, it’s crucial to clean off the day’s accumulation of bacteria. The warm water also aids in inducing sleepiness. “The main advantage of taking a shower in the evening is that your body and hair can accumulate allergens and irritants from the air, dirt and grime, especially during the summer months due to pollen and chemicals,” he says. This accumulation can harm your bed sheets and result in itching, allergies, irritations or even acne.

Should morning showers be avoided altogether?

While morning showers may not be ideal, they aren’t entirely detrimental, especially if you end it on a cold note. Opting for a cold rinse in the last thirty seconds can provide an energetic start to your day. As Antonia Harman, another health expert, points out, “Not only does it wake you up, but it also stimulates your immune, circulatory, and digestive system.” However, a cold shower in the evening may disrupt your sleep. “A long hot shower will raise your body temperature, and as you cool down, you’ll become sleepy. So it’s best to take a shower 30-45 minutes before bedtime since it acts as a natural sedative,” she adds.