How Often Should You Take a Bath? According to Experts

Showers and baths can help you keep your skin healthy and are also great for relaxing. But how often should you take a bath? Most experts say one or two times weekly. 

Below, we’ll discuss insights from skincare professionals on the best bathing frequency. We’ll also share helpful tips for the best bathing and showering routine and our favorite bath products.

How often should you take a bath?

You can take a quick bath daily, but limit longer soaking baths to once or twice weekly, says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, Dermatologist at DermOnDemand.

When we talk about bathing, we’re usually referring to taking a bath to clean our bodies or taking a soaking bath to relax. 

A cleansing bath is usually quick, lasting five to ten minutes, and can be taken daily. A soaking bath to relax and soothe muscles is usually longer, lasting at least 20 minutes. Long baths should be taken less often to prevent stripping your skin of natural oils, which can cause dryness, explains Dr. Kopelman. 

How long should you take a bath?

A bath should usually be 10 to 30 minutes, says Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director of Medical Cert UK. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of bathing without drying out and irritating your skin. 

“Your skin naturally produces sebum, an oily substance that creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and keeps external irritants at bay,” explains Dr. Knobel. “Staying in a bath for too long can cause your skin to lose its ability to retain moisture, making it more susceptible to external damage.”

Is it okay to take a bath daily?

It’s okay to take short, cleansing baths daily. However, Dr. Knobel says that “taking longer baths too frequently can disrupt your skin’s natural microbiome, which consists of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that help protect your skin and immune system from harmful pathogens.”

If you’re going to bathe daily, most baths should last five to ten minutes. This gives you time to cleanse your skin without drying it out or interrupting its protective layer. 

“If you have very dry or sensitive skin, every other day may be enough, especially if you don’t sweat excessively. On days when you don't shower, quickly rinsing key areas like the face, underarms, and groin can help maintain hygiene without exposing your skin to too much water.”

Benefits of Taking a Bath

According to Dr. Knobel, you can experience the following benefits of bathing.

Better circulation 

“When you soak in warm water, your blood vessels expand, facilitating better blood flow throughout your body,” says Dr. Knobel. “This increased circulation reduces muscle soreness and inflammation, which is important after a workout or long day.”

Warm water relaxes muscles and loosens stiff joints, making it easier for your body to recover and heal. Not only is it relaxing, but the improved blood flow promotes overall physical well-being by delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to different areas of the body.

Good skin health

“Baths are also great for your skin, especially if you use ingredients like bath salts, essential oils, and oatmeal,” says Dr. Knobel. 

While long, hot showers can strip away the skin's natural oils, a shorter, warm bath can actually help hydrate it. When you add ingredients like natural bath oils or colloidal oatmeal, your bath becomes more moisturizing, which helps lock in hydration and soothe irritated skin. This is especially helpful for people who have dry skin or experience conditions like eczema. 

A bath can also be a gentle way to cleanse your skin without the harsher effects of long showers, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Relaxation

Taking a bath is a great self-care activity because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to relax. In fact, people who take baths experience less stress and more happiness.

Dr. Knobel explains that soaking in a bath can also lower stress levels by reducing cortisol, a stress-related hormone. This is why many people feel refreshed and more at ease after a bath. 

Taking a bath before bed also improves sleep quality. The warmth of the water relaxes your muscles and signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. This can help you fall asleep more easily and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.

Best Bathing and Showering Tips

Enjoy the benefits of baths and showers with helpful tips, like choosing the best routine for you, considering the water temperature, and using moisturizing products.

Choose the best routine for you

“Most people should cleanse their skin once daily to maintain cleanliness without overdrying it,” says Dr. Kopelman. “However, bathing and showering frequency varies for everyone.”

Consider the following to determine the best routine for you:

Consider water temperature

“While hot water can feel incredibly relaxing, it tends to dry out the skin more quickly because it breaks down the barrier that helps your skin retain moisture,” explains Dr. Knobel. “This can cause your skin to become dry and irritated.”

Using lukewarm water is often better for maintaining your skin’s health. Lukewarm water preserves this moisture barrier, allowing you to enjoy a longer shower or bath without as much risk of drying out your skin. 

If you prefer hot water, Dr. Knobel recommends keeping showers closer to 5 minutes and taking fewer and shorter baths.

Use products for longer soaks

If you’re like me and love a good, long bath, Dr. Kopelman suggests adding a moisturizing oil or oatmeal soak to help maintain skin hydration.

Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Beer Bath Salts is one of the best bath soaks because it’s made with natural, therapeutic ingredients, including colloidal oatmeal, essential oils, sea salts, and Epsom salt. It’s perfect for a soothing bath to calm joints and muscles, relax, and hydrate the skin.

Oakwell Cosmetics Herbal Beer Bath Tea is also great for soaking in and contains natural ingredients that cleanse, moisturize, and protect the skin. It’s a nourishing blend of beer hops, malted barley, and herbs and smells subtly uplifting for a calming bath experience.

Moisturize after bathing

Apply moisturizing lotion to help prevent your skin from drying out after a bath. 

Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Body Lotion is a lightweight lotion ideal for all skin types. It's made with natural ingredients, including beer hops and barley, shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil, and it hydrates the skin without feeling too heavy. It also has a fragrant but not overpowering aroma of oats, roasted barley, vanilla, and orange. 

How often should you take a bath? Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful! While you don’t want to overdo baths, bathing once or twice weekly can be great for skin health and relaxation. Otherwise, short showers or baths daily or every other day can help maintain clean, healthy skin.