For years, there has been constant chatter surrounding the question of whether a bath is better than a shower. Which one is more beneficial? Which one saves more water? It’s a contentious argument.
Some prefer the option of taking a bath over a shower stating that it’s more relaxing, thanks to all the bubbles and bath bombs. Others believe that baths are inherently gross, what with sitting in a pool of your dirt.
So, it’s only fair to investigate all the pros and cons and declare a definitive winner between the two!
Round 1: Which One is Better for the Planet?
This one is easy. Showers win over baths, hands down.
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a five-minute shower would consume about 10 to 25 gallons of water. But filling a bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water.
Even if you don’t intend to fill the bathtub to the brim, it would still need more water than an average shower.
An even better way to save some more water is to replace your regular shower with a water-saving showerhead!
Round 2: Which One is Better for Your Skin?
For starters, you can add various ingredients in your bath water that could be soothing and helpful in the long run.
If you have irritated, dry skin or sunburn, add milk and honey to your bath, and you are good to go. If you have sore muscles, throw in some Epsom salt in the water.
On the other hand, if you enjoy foamy bubbles in your bath, you run the risk of stripping your body of natural oils. Soaking yourself in a bathtub for an extended period will cause your skin to dry out. Moreover, if your water is too hot, it could parch your skin, too!.
For that reason, one point to #TeamShower.
Round 3: Which One is Better for Your Hygiene?
For those worried about bath being unhygienic, good news: it’s not!
Sitting in bathwater does not mean you are sitting in your filth whatsoever. The dirt tends to settle away from your body and gets diluted in the bathwater. And as a matter of fact, humans aren’t as dirty as people think. Well, unless you have been rolling in the mud!
So, the question isn’t whether a bath or a shower cleans a person better. The question is how long it takes for you to scrub yourself clean.
If you work out a lot or wear makeup too often, it’d be best to take a shower. Rinsing all the dirt particles clean under the running water is better than bathing in them.
Moreover, if it’s a shampoo-conditioner day, a shower is more accessible!
What’s important to remember is that it doesn’t matter whether you choose a bath or a shower, do not rinse yourself too long. It will dry your skin out.
Round 4: Which One is Better for Your Feelings?
The answer to it is – whatever your heart desires, a hot shower or a relaxing bath.
According to a 2013 Study, researchers found that long, hot baths and showers help mitigate loneliness. So, if you want to feel better, jump in and clear your head out!
Final Verdict
So, it seems like showers have a slight edge over baths. But ultimately, sitting in a warm bath with a glass of wine rules.
The choice between the two comes down to your personal preference, finally.
