Which way should you face in the shower? Scientists settle the debate

It’s something most people do every day without thinking twice about it. 

But when you step into the shower, do you face toward, or away from the water? 

The debate has been reignited on X this week, after @nickimoraa posted: ‘I thought everyone showered with their back toward the shower head. That’s not a thing?’

Their post has garnered huge interest, with more than 1.8 million views to date. 

Several users agreed with @nickimoraa, with one replying: ‘Um… I don’t fancy a waterboarding. So yeah, backwards. I like to breathe too much.’

However, others disagreed, and maintained they like to face the water. 

‘I loooove facing the water. It’s like a nice warm hug,’ one user explained. 

Now, scientists have settled the debate once and for all – so, do you agree with their expert advice? 

The shower debate has swirled for years, with a 2021 poll showing the nation really is split on their preferences. 

The YouGov poll, of 4,040 adults, found that 44 per cent of people face the shower, while 43 per cent face away from it. 

Five per cent said they never have showers, while eight per cent said they ‘don’t know’. 

This divide is evident on social media, where many people are adamant that their personal preference is correct. 

‘WHY WOULD YOU FACE IT? I hate water on my face so much,’ one user vented on X. 

Another added: ‘Back towards the water + scolding hot water = best shower ever.’

And one joked: ‘I mix it up. Washing my hair is better with my back to it, not washing my hair, I’ll face it. Maybe do a spin around, depends what I’m singing.’

Speaking to the Daily Mail, scientists have now revealed their expert opinions on the shower debate.

Lesley Reynolds, co–founder of Harley Street Skin, argues that you should shower facing away from the water. 

‘Dermatologists generally advise showering while facing away from the water,’ she told the Daily Mail. 

‘This helps prevent shampoo and conditioner from running onto the face, which can clog pores and cause irritation or breakouts. 

‘It also limits direct exposure to hot water on delicate facial skin, helping to protect the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and keep the complexion calmer and more balanced overall.’

However, Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, argues that alternating your position is best for your skin. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained: ‘Constantly facing the water means the face, chest and shoulders are exposed to direct heat and pressure for longer, which can increase redness and sensitivity in more delicate skin areas. 

‘Turning away at intervals helps reduce continuous exposure while still allowing effective cleansing of the body. 

‘It also supports more even rinsing of products from the hair and skin, which can help minimise irritation and maintain a healthier skin barrier overall.’ 

Dr Mayou added that people with sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea should be particularly careful facing the water. 

‘The face and upper body are especially vulnerable due to thinner skin,’ she explained.

‘Using lukewarm water and limiting time under direct spray helps preserve hydration and reduces unnecessary stress on the skin barrier.’

The news comes shortly after researchers from the University of Surrey revealed the length of the average UK shower. 

Their findings show that the average shower lasts just 6.7 minutes – although some Britons indulge in far longer sessions. 

Professor Ian Walker, co–author of the study, joked on X (formerly Twitter): ‘We excluded any showers over one hour, but believe me, they happened.’