Taking a warm shower can be a relaxing part of your daily routine. But if you head outside right after your shower, you may find yourself feeling chilled. So how long should you wait after a shower before going outside?
Why You May Feel Chilly After a Shower
There are a few reasons why you might feel cold after getting out of the shower:
- Your body temperature drops when you get out of the warm water
- Wet skin loses heat faster than dry skin
- Being undressed allows more heat loss from your body
So when you step out of a hot shower, your body can no longer maintain the elevated temperature it reached while under the warm water. This causes your body to feel colder than before you got into the shower.
How Long to Wait Before Going Outside
Most experts recommend waiting at least 15-20 minutes after a shower before going outside, especially in cooler weather. Here’s why:
- It takes at least 15 minutes for your core body temperature to stabilize and rewarm after a shower.
- Getting dressed right after showering traps moisture against your skin, leading to more rapid cooling.
- Putting clothes on over damp skin makes you feel colder than over fully dried skin.
So waiting at least 15-20 minutes allows your body to rewarm while letting your skin air dry. This helps prevent that jarring chilled feeling when you step outside.
Suggested Wait Times Based on Temperature
You may need to wait even longer when it’s quite cold out. Here are some general guidelines on wait times based on outdoor temperature:
| Outdoor Temperature | Recommended Wait Time |
|---|---|
| 70°F+ (21°C+) | 15 minutes |
| 60-69°F (16-21°C) | 20 minutes |
| 50-59°F (10-15°C) | 25 minutes |
| 40-49°F (4-9°C) | 30 minutes |
| Below 40°F (4°C) | 45+ minutes |
When temperatures dip below 40°F (4°C), it’s best to wait at least 45 minutes or longer after showering. This gives your body plenty of time to rewarm before facing frigid conditions.
Tips for Minimizing Heat Loss After a Shower
If you need to head out sooner than the recommended time, here are some tips to help prevent feeling chilled:
- Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing yourself with a towel, which can irritate your skin.
- Apply moisturizer to damp skin, which creates a protective barrier.
- Put on warm, loose layers of clothing.
- Wear socks and slippers around the house.
- Drink a warm beverage like tea.
- Keep your house warmer until your body readjusts.
Avoid These Things After a Shower
Certain activities after a shower can make you feel even colder. Try to avoid:
- Rubbing or scrubbing your skin dry with a towel
- Letting your skin air dry completely
- Putting on tight clothing over damp skin
- Drinking icy cold beverages
- Going from a warm house directly outside
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups
Certain groups of people may need to take extra precautions after a shower:
- Older adults: Tend to have poorer circulation and slower rewarming. Wait at least 20-30 minutes before going outside.
- Babies and young children: Lose body heat very quickly after a bath. Keep them bundled up and limit outside time.
- People with heart conditions: Prone to changes in blood pressure and circulation. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
People recovering from illness may also need additional rewarming time. Use your best judgment and listen to your body.
Conclusion
In general, it’s recommended to wait at least 15-20 minutes after showering before going outside. Allow more time if it’s cold out – up to 45 minutes when temperatures dip below 40°F (4°C). Minimize heat loss by towel drying gently, moisturizing damp skin, and dressing in warm loose layers. Certain vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children may need extra rewarming time. Be cautious of activities that can cool you down faster as well. Following these precautions will help prevent feeling chilled and shivering after a warm, relaxing shower.