Good hygiene is very important, and one of the most important ways of ensuring that you keep hygienic is by showering frequently. Showering daily is a ritual for many, and many might think there is no such thing as showering too much. However, experts have highlighted that showering frequently is not always healthy, and some people could benefit from fewer showers.
According to experts, there are several factors that could determine how many showers are ideal. Here, we will dive into how often you need to shower, the potential harms of excessive bathing, and practical tips for healthy, skin-friendly hygiene.
How Often Should Adults Shower?
According to Harvard Medical School, approximately 66% of Americans shower daily. According to research, people who need to shower daily are those with physically demanding jobs that are messy and also participants in sweaty activities. Daily showers are necessary for anyone exposed to dust, allergens, or chemicals.
Studies have shown that taking a shower daily is unnecessary for most people. Showering every other day or even every third day can be sufficient if you are maintaining basic hygiene.
Maintaining basic hygiene would mean using a clean washcloth to wipe down areas prone to sweat and odour, such as your armpits and groin, which can keep you feeling fresh. It is also important to wash your face at night to prevent clogged pores and wash your hands regularly to prevent illnesses and maintain hygiene.
Why Too Much Showering Can Harm Your Skin
According to research, having frequent or excessively hot showers can strip away your skin’s natural oils, compromising its protective barrier. Warnings from dermatologists have highlighted that showers that are too frequent or excessively hot can dry out the skin because the natural layer of oil and beneficial bacteria that protect it would be removed. As a result, people can experience dry, flaky, and itchy skin.
Persons with sensitive skin or health conditions like eczema are discouraged from taking prolonged or daily showers by dermatologist Dr Julie Russak.
Dr. Julie Russak stated, “Hot showers and soaps really remove and destroy the skin’s microbiome,” she explains. The microbiome is a collection of good bacteria on the skin, essential for skin health and overall immunity.
According to Dr Justine Hextall, a consulting dermatologist, when the skin feels tight after showering, it could mean that your skin is losing moisture because your cleanser is too harsh or the water temperature is too high. When your skin becomes damaged from showering too frequently, you may experience acne, wrinkles, rough patches, tenderness, or stinging.
On the other hand, people who take inadequate showers face great health risks. While going a few days without a shower might lead to mild body odour or clogged pores, going weeks or months without a shower can lead to dermatitis neglecta. This is a rare condition that causes brown patches of dead cells, dirt, and sweat to accumulate on the skin.
Healthy Showering Tips to Protect Your Skin
To ensure that you are staying healthy when showering, it is important to keep these dermatologist-recommended tips in mind. It is recommended that you use warm water to shower and not hot water, which could strip your skin of the essential oils. It is recommended that you do not shower for more than five to ten minutes and use a moisturising soap to keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, soaping the entire body is not necessary every time you shower. Instead, you can focus on areas prone to odour, such as armpits, groin, and feet. It is also encouraging to exfoliate your skin gently, use moisturizing products while your skin is damp, and allow your towels to air-dry thoroughly.