Influencers and skin-care trends may insist on elaborate shower routines, but dermatologists are sounding a note of caution: your daily shower could be doing more harm than good if you are overdoing it.

“Your skin is a barrier,” said Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, a dermatologic surgeon at University of Iowa Health Care, speaking to The Associated Press. “So you want to treat it right, and sometimes there can be too much of a good thing.”

Skin-care experts warn that habits such as double-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, using heavily scented body products, and spending long periods under running water can strip the skin of its natural protective oils. This, they say, often leads to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity rather than healthier skin.

According to dermatologists, a simple routine is usually enough. A daily shower using lukewarm water, a gentle hypoallergenic cleanser—ideally fragrance-free—and applying a moisturizer or oil afterward meets the skin’s basic needs for most people.

Time and temperature play a crucial role in skin health. Long showers or very hot water can remove the oils that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it dry and irritated. Choosing the right soap also matters. Dermatologists recommend cleansers formulated for sensitive skin and advise avoiding antibacterial soaps, which can be overly drying. However, they note that antibacterial soaps may be useful in specific conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes painful boils and abscesses.

Despite what social media trends suggest, experts say double-cleansing is unnecessary for most people. There is little benefit in using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, especially for the entire body. “People overuse soap all the time,” said Dr. Olga Bunimovich, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, also speaking to The AP. She advises limiting soap use to areas such as skin folds and private parts rather than lathering the entire body.

Moisturizing after a shower is another key step. Dermatologists recommend applying oil or lotion while the skin is still damp, as this helps lock in moisture. Dr. Negbenebor emphasized that oils act as sealants rather than moisturizers, meaning they work best when applied over damp skin.

Exfoliation, too, should be done in moderation. While removing dead skin cells can be beneficial, daily scrubbing—especially with loofahs or abrasive products—can irritate the skin, particularly for people with dry skin, acne, or eczema. Products containing lactic or glycolic acid offer gentler exfoliation but should not be used too frequently.

Beyond skin health, experts also highlight the environmental cost of long showers. Nearly 17 percent of indoor water use in the United States occurs in the shower, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Shorter, lukewarm showers not only protect the skin but also conserve water.

The message from dermatologists is clear: when it comes to showering and skin care, simpler routines and moderation often deliver better results—for both your skin and the planet.