Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? A microbiologist settles the debate.

When it comes to showers, the debate rages: is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Morning and nighttime showers have their supporters and detractors, both with very convincing arguments, such as showering in the morning helps you start the day with energy, or showering at night helps you relax before going to sleep. The scientific answer to this question is "clear," says Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester (United Kingdom).

In an article published in The Conversation , this expert highlights that "showering is an integral part of any good hygiene routine , regardless of when you prefer to do it." Among other benefits, showering "helps remove dirt and oil from the skin, which can help prevent rashes and infections," and also helps "eliminate sweat, which can reduce body odor," Freestone says.

When faced with doubt about showering in the morning or at night, this microbiologist has defined herself as "a proponent of daytime showers ." From a scientific perspective, "a morning shower means your body will be cleaner of skin microbes acquired overnight by putting on clean clothes."

Additionally, "you'll start the day with less sweat for odor-causing bacteria to feed on, which will likely help you smell fresher throughout the day compared to someone who showers at night."

While showering at night "can remove some of the allergens, sweat, and oil accumulated during the day," even if you do it right before bed, " you will still sweat throughout the night , regardless of the temperature," he notes.

"The microbes on your skin will absorb the nutrients from that sweat. This means that, in the morning, you'll have deposited microbes on your sheets and will likely wake up smelling like urine, too," Freestone adds.

This is even more counterproductive if you don't wash your bedding regularly , as "the odor-causing microbes on your sheets can be transferred to your clean body while you sleep." Furthermore, showering at night "also doesn't prevent your skin cells from shedding. This means they can become a food source for house dust mites, whose waste can be allergenic."

However, showering in the morning can "help remove dead skin cells , as well as any sweat or bacteria you may have picked up from your sheets overnight. This is especially important if your sheets weren't freshly laundered when you went to bed," says this microbiologist.

Preferences aside, Freestone emphasizes the importance of washing your bedding regularly: "You should wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week to remove sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells, and accumulated sebum," she recommended.