José Manuel Felices, radiologist and scientist, speaks clearly about this common mistake: “Never shower after exercising.”

After an intense workout , the most common gesture is to head straight to the shower . Whether it's after lifting weights, going for a run, spinning , or playing a game of paddle tennis, the routine is repeated: we sweat, we finish... and into the water . It's such a common practice that it's hardly ever questioned, almost as automatic as tying your shoes before starting out. However, some warn that this habit might not be the most appropriate.

The sweating that accompanies exercise isn't just a bodily process that can be unpleasant. It's a vital mechanism for regulating internal temperature, eliminating toxins, and protecting the skin . Therefore, that moment when drops of sweat still trickle down your forehead or back shouldn't be seen as an annoyance to be eliminated as quickly as possible, but rather as part of the physiological process activated when we exercise. Ignoring it can have consequences, according to some experts.

An immediate shower could disrupt ongoing bodily functions. From a medical perspective, there are reasons to wait a few minutes. This is firmly supported by Dr. José Manuel Felices , a radiology specialist and health educator, whose warning has sparked debate on social media: we shouldn't shower right after exercising.

“Never shower after exercising.”

Dr. Felices puts it bluntly: “Never shower after exercising .” Thus begins a video in which he debunks one of the most common habits among those who exercise. His message has reached thousands of users, many of whom have been surprised by the scientific reasoning behind this statement.

Felices explains that "while we train, our muscles burn energy, which produces heat , which raises our body temperature. To compensate, our blood vessels dilate, making it easier for sweat to spread and evaporate from our skin, lowering our temperature." The expert warns that "if we finish training and rush to the shower, we interrupt the natural temperature regulation process , which can lead to dizziness and even fainting."

But there's more. Sweat also has a cleansing function: "Sweat also carries away toxins that come to the surface of the skin. If we shower right away, we don't allow the body to finish excreting those toxins , leaving a feeling that the cleansing hasn't been completed, even as if we were still sweating after showering," he explains.

"Sweat has a slightly acidic pH, which protects the skin from bacteria and external aggressions while we exercise. If you shower too quickly, you upset that balance and your skin becomes more vulnerable, potentially becoming irritated or dry," says Felices.

Furthermore, sweat creates a protective film on the skin. “ Sweat has a slightly acidic pH, which protects the skin from bacteria and external aggressions while we exercise. If you shower too quickly, especially with alkaline soaps, you disrupt this balance and your skin becomes more vulnerable , potentially becoming irritated or dry.” Therefore, Dr. Felices' final piece of advice is clear: “Science suggests that these processes last about 15 minutes after finishing the activity. Hydrate, socialize with your colleagues, or reflect on how well you did, and then take that well-deserved and necessary shower.”