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This Is How Long Your Shower Should Actually Be, According to Experts

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09.09.2026

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This Is How Long Your Shower Should Actually Be, According to Experts

Americans average 16 minutes per shower, but dermatologists say five to ten is plenty, while one scientist argues for just three.

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The average American spends 16 minutes in the shower. Dermatologists say five to ten is the max. An environmental scientist says three. No one will agree on this article.

According to a Harris Poll survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, Americans average 16.1 minutes per shower, and Gen Z stretches that to 21 minutes. A third of Americans regularly stay in for more than 15 minutes. Dr. Nada Elbuluk, a professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Southern California, told HuffPost that five to ten minutes in warm water is enough for most people, and those with dry skin or eczema should aim closer to five. Long, hot showers strip away........

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