What Is An 'Everything Shower?' Experts Share the Scoop on This Viral Trend

After a long day or sweat session, a shower can be *everything.* However, TikTok is abuzz with what's called the "everything shower." Er, what's an everything shower?

"It’s the latest trend on social media, where people share their super-thorough shower routines," says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist, owner of Dermatology Circle PLLC. "Think of it as a full head-to-toe beauty ritual — hair treatments, body scrubbing and all kinds of self-care packed into one long shower session."

🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊

It sounds blissful, and the thousands of videos on TikTok make it look just as heavenly. Intrigued? Experts shared the perks, pitfalls and a step-by-step guide to the everything shower.

Related: I'm a Dermatologist—This is the One Treatment That Can Turn Back the Clock on Dry, Itchy Menopausal Skin

Everything Shower: Meaning, Duration and Benefits

What's an everything shower, you ask? "The everything shower is absolute self-care that takes place before, during and after showering in a short period of time, to implement as much as possible, either going to bed right after or going out on date nights," says Flora Rahmani, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC, the owner of Flora Spa and Beauty.

Rahmani says everything showers typically take 45 minutes, but Dr. Kazlouskaya says some routines take hours. It's not an exact science.

"The length of an everything shower will be dependent on the number
of steps and products used," says Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist.

Dr. Kazlouskaya says that personalization and bliss are the main benefits of an everything shower. "Self-care can be empowering and uplifting," Dr. Kazlouskaya says.

Rahmani loves the regularity and intentionality of everything showers. "Consistency is the key to every self-care routine, from eating healthier to regularly exercising," Rahmani says. "This weekly routine helps the skin glow and the hair shine, making one feel more confident."

Related: The One Thing Most People Don't Realize Is Giving Them Gray Hair, According to Hair Stylists

How to Take an Everything Shower

Pre-Shower

Everything showers don't start when you turn on the water. Experts say there's a "warm-up" period. Before you step in the shower, experts suggest that you:

• Gather your materials. Grab your products, towels and robes in advance. "There's nothing worse than jumping out of the shower, dripping wet, only to realize you forgot something outside," Dr. Kazlouskaya says.

• Make it a vibe. Preparing for an everything shower is more than logistical. "Create a relaxing environment with dim lighting, candles, and calming music," says Dr. Nathan Newman, MD, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. "This helps to enhance the overall experience and promote relaxation."

• First-cleanse. Dr. Newman suggests using a hydrating cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and build-up. He says an initial cleanse opens the door for deeper treatments.

• Dry brush. Use gentle upward strokes to stimulate circulation and exfoliate, says Dr. Shoshana Marmon, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at New York Medical College.

• Face mask. Dr. Marmon says you'll absorb excess oil and clear pores. "Apply a clay mask to oily areas and let it dry before rinsing in the shower," Dr. Marmon says.

• Detangle and oil your hair. Dr. Newman says these steps will prepare your mane for the main events and prevent breakage. Your best bet is a lightweight detangling spray or hair oil.

• Scalp treatment. Dr. Marmon suggests nixing build-up and promoting circulation with a clarifying scrub, shampoo or oil. She also advises massaging thoroughly.

• Deep conditioning mask. Dr. Marmon says applying a mask beforehand allows maximum absorption and helps hydrate and repair damage.

Related: 6 Ways to Prevent Gray Hair

During the Everything Shower

Now, it's time to turn on the water and hop on in for a dreamy everything shower.

• Temperature check. "Start with lukewarm water to prevent dehydration and protect your skin barrier," Dr. Newman says. "Hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils."

• Shampoo twice. You've heard of the double face cleanses, but they work on the hair, too. "The first wash removes build-up, and the second deeply cleanses," Dr. Marmon says. "Use a sulfate-free shampoo for a gentle cleanse."

• Exfoliate. Dr. Marmon says exfoliating the whole body, including the face, with a gentle scrub or exfoliant buffs away dead skin. The end result? Smoother skin.

• Hydrating hair mask. Dr. Marmon says this step restores moisture. She says to optimize your time, "Leave in for five to 10 minutes while completing other shower steps."

• Shave (if needed). Dr. Marmon notes that shaving after exfoliating gives you a closer, smoother result.

• Focus on foot care. Don't leave the feet out. "Use a foot scrub or pumice stone to exfoliate and keep your feet smooth and soft," Dr. Newman says.

• Use a gentle body wash. It will cleanse the skin without stripping moisture. "Opt for a hydrating formula with nourishing ingredients," Dr. Marmon says.

Post-Shower

It's not over 'till it's over. Before officially completing the everything shower, try some (or all) of these Dr. Marmon-suggested steps:

• Pat skin dry. Gently press (don't rub) your body with a soft towel to retain moisture and guard against irritation.

• Apply body oil or lotion. Taking this step while the skin is still damp locks in hydration.

• Hair leave-in treatment. A leave-in conditioner can strengthen and smooth strands.

• Face and lip hydration. This step will restore moisture post-shower. A moisturizer and lip balm are *chef's kiss.*

Related: 'I'm a Celebrity Dermatologist and This Is the One Thing I Never, Ever Do When It Comes to My Skin'

Drawbacks of Everything Showers

Everything showers are lovely, but nothing is perfect."Spending too much time in the shower can strip the skin of oil," Dr. Camp says. I usually recommend that patients limit showers to a maximum of five to 10 minutes."

Besides time, Dr. Kazlouskaya also points out (and you probably gathered) the number of products."Using too many products can cause skin irritation or damage your skin barrier," she says. Dr. Kazlouskaya also points to a risk of over-exfoliation, especially if you scrub too hard, which can traumatize the skin.

Finally, Drs. Kazlouskaya and Camp say everything showers aren't the best practice for the environment (or your water bill). So, you might want to limit the amount of time spent with the water running (or the frequency of everything showers). You'll certainly want to monitor your skin for adverse reactions to products.

Up Next:

Related: This One Thing Helps 'Drive Moisture Into the Skin Overnight,' a Board-Certified Dermatologist Says

Sources:

• Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist, owner of Dermatology Circle PLLC

• Flora Rahmani, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC, the owner of Flora Spa and Beauty

• Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist

• Dr. Nathan Newman, MD, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon

• Dr. Shoshana Marmon, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at New York Medical College