Can Shower Water Cause Breakouts?

29th April 2026

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If you suffer from breakouts - whether it’s occasional flareups or a more chronic issue - you’re likely to have tried lots of different things to clear it up. This includes regular washing and showering, to remove excess oil from the affected area.

 

But did you know that your shower water could potentially be contributing to your breakouts, or making it worse? 

 

Here, we’ll take a look at the often misunderstood relationship between shower water and your skin, including how water quality and temperature can affect breakouts. 

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"Loving my showers ❤ Having sensitive skin it's made a huge difference to my complexion and my overall skin feels much cleaner and fresher. ”

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Can Hot Showers Make Breakouts Worse?

A hot shower can feel super relaxing, and like it's good for your skin - cleaning away the buildup of oil or dirt that has accumulated throughout the day or night. However, this can actually be a bad thing. 

 

This is because very hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. When this happens, your skin may overcompensate by producing even more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. On top of that, heat can increase inflammation, making breakouts more common, and make existing skin conditions look redder and feel more irritated.

 

With this in mind, it could be best to opt for warm rather than hot showers if you suffer from breakouts. Choose a temperature that feels comfortable, and that is warm enough to cleanse effectively without triggering excess oil production or irritation.

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Are Cold Showers Good or Bad for Breakouts?

So, what about cold showers? They’re often recommended for tightening pores and reducing inflammation, but the reality is a bit more nuanced.

 

Cold water can help calm redness and may temporarily reduce swelling around breakouts. However, it’s not as effective at dissolving oil, dirt and buildup compared to warm water. So while it might soothe your skin, it won’t necessarily be able to deeply cleanse it on its own.

 

A good approach can be to use lukewarm water for cleansing, then finish with a brief splash of cool water if you enjoy the refreshing effect. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Can Showering Too Much Lead to Breakouts?

Yes - over-showering can actually contribute to breakouts appearing in some cases.

 

Showering too frequently, especially with harsh soaps or scrubs, can damage your skin barrier. This leads to dryness and irritation, as well as stimulating oil production as your skin tries to rebalance itself. That excess oil can clog pores and trigger further breakouts.

 

Signs you might be overdoing it: 

 

  • Tight, dry or itchy skin after showering
  • Increased oiliness later in the day
  • More frequent or persistent breakouts.

Can Not Showering Lead to Breakouts?

You might be worried about overshowering and inadvertently making your breakouts worse, but it also works the other way around. 

 

Sweat, oil, bacteria and dead skin cells can build up on your skin throughout the day. If you don’t wash regularly - especially after exercising - this buildup can clog pores and create an environment where breakout-causing bacteria thrive.

 

This is particularly common for breakouts on the body (often found on the back and chest). So, it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy showering routine, especially after exercising and on hot days where you’re likely to sweat more. 

How Often Should You Shower if You Suffer from Breakouts?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should shower if you suffer with breakouts, but a balanced routine tends to work best for most people.

 

Here are some general best practice tips to remember:

  • Shower once daily if you’re moderately active
  • Shower after workouts or heavy sweating
  • Avoid showering multiple times a day unless necessary
  • Keep showers short (around 5 to 10 minutes)
  • Use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers - these are specially formulated to remove dirt, oil and makeup without clogging pores

For your face, washing twice a day (morning and evening) is usually enough. Over-washing can sometimes do more harm than good.

How Does Water Quality Affect Breakouts? 

The last important thing to think about is your shower water quality, and the effect this can have on skin health. 

 

It’s often overlooked, but it can make a noticeable difference to how your skin looks and feels.

 

Hard water (high in minerals) can leave a residue that makes it harder to fully cleanse your skin. This can potentially clog your pores and cause dryness - which may trigger more oil production. Chlorine in tap water can also strip natural oils and lead to irritation.

 

Here are some things you can try:

 

  • Use a gentle, easy-to-rinse cleanser
  • Avoid over-scrubbing
  • Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
  • Clean your shower head regularly to prevent the buildup of mineral residue
  • Consider installing a filtered shower head if your water is very hard
  • If you already have a filtered shower head, don’t forget to replace the filter every few months to keep it working effectively. 

 

Water quality isn’t usually the main cause of breakouts, but it can contribute to irritation and imbalance that make them worse.

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