Yes, a 20-minute shower is generally considered too long.
While personal preferences vary, health and environmental factors suggest aiming for shorter showers. Experts recommend a shower duration of around 5 to 7 minutes, with a maximum of 15 minutes.
Here's a breakdown of why a 20-minute shower might be excessive:
- Skin Health: Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema. As Yousuf Mohammed, PhD, a senior research fellow in dermatology at the Frazer Institute of the University of Queensland in Australia, suggests, shorter showers are better for skin health.
- Water Conservation: Longer showers consume significantly more water. Reducing shower time contributes to water conservation efforts and lowers your water bill.
- Energy Consumption: Heating water for showers requires energy. Shorter showers reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint.
Therefore, while the ideal shower length depends on individual needs, a 20-minute shower generally exceeds the recommended duration for optimal skin health and environmental responsibility.
