TikTok Sparks Debate Over Post-Shower Lotion Routines

ELLE editors weigh in on the controversial topic of moisturizing after a shower.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:00am

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An extremely blurred and abstracted image of a person's hands gently applying a moisturizing lotion to their arms, captured in a soft, hazy, and warm visual style that evokes the intimate and personal nature of post-shower skincare.The post-shower moisturizing debate has sparked a range of personal routines and strong opinions, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of people's skin types.Tucson Today

A debate has erupted on TikTok over whether people should apply lotion after showering, with some arguing it's unnecessary work and others insisting it's essential for skin health. ELLE magazine reached out to dermatologists and surveyed its own editors to get a range of perspectives on the post-shower moisturizing debate.

Why it matters

The debate highlights how personal grooming routines can become polarizing online topics, with people strongly defending their own habits. It also underscores the importance of proper skin hydration, especially after showering when natural oils can be stripped away.

The details

Dermatologists confirm that applying moisturizer after a shower is recommended, as hot water can deplete the skin's natural oils. Those with dry, sensitive or mature skin types are especially advised to moisturize within a few minutes of showering. Some editors shared that they are meticulous about post-shower lotion, while others admitted to being more sporadic about the routine.

  • The TikTok debate over post-shower lotion routines erupted in early 2026.

The players

Sheila Farhang, M.D.

A board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson, Arizona.

Mona Gohara, M.D.

A board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology.

Tracee Ellis Ross

A beauty founder who shared her bodycare routine that involves applying body oil while skin is still damp from the shower.

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What they’re saying

“When you shower, especially when it's with hot water, your skin's natural oils get stripped away. While not everyone will have issues skipping post-shower moisturization, those that have dry or sensitive skin, live in a dry climate, or even mature skin types will get a compromised skin barrier. For the body specifically, I'd say most people are under moisturizing. I recommend applying your moisturizer within a few minutes of taking a shower because it absorbs into the skin much more.”

— Sheila Farhang, M.D., Board-certified dermatologist

“From a dermatologic perspective, the post-shower window is an ideal time to moisturize because skin is still slightly damp, which helps enhance absorption and lock in hydration.”

— Mona Gohara, M.D., Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine

What’s next

The debate over post-shower lotion routines is likely to continue as people share their personal preferences and experiences online.

The takeaway

While not everyone may feel the need to moisturize after every shower, dermatologists recommend doing so, especially for those with dry, sensitive or mature skin types. The online debate highlights how personal grooming habits can become polarizing topics, but also underscores the importance of proper skin hydration.