There's no need to shower every day – here's why

To shower, or not to shower?

According to a study at the University of Utah, over-cleaning can damage the human microbiome, which is a collection of bacteria, viruses and other microbes that live in and on your body. They are essential to our health and disrupting them can weaken the immune system, digestion and even heart health.

The ‘ideal’ frequency:

You, of course, don’t have to alter your shower routine, simply based on those dermatologist recommendations. Everyone’s skin is different, and each person’s skin can change from season to season. In winter, your skin might be drier than usual, in which case too many showers can bring on extreme dryness.

While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.

Showering in winter:

Showering every day in the winter can lead to excessively dry skin due to the removal of your skin's natural oils, which are crucial for keeping it moisturized, potentially causing itchiness, irritation, and flakiness, especially if you use hot water for long periods; this is because cold winter air further dries out your skin already compromised by frequent showers.

Key points:
Dry skin: The biggest concern is excessive dryness as hot showers strip away essential oils from your skin.

Skin conditions: Frequent showers can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Loss of good bacteria: Washing too often removes beneficial bacteria that help protect your skin from infections.

What to do instead:
Reduce shower frequency: Consider showering every other day or less often depending on your activity level and skin type.

Lukewarm water: Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot to minimize dryness.

Moisturize regularly: Apply moisturizer immediately after showering to lock in moisture.

Look for gentle products: Use a mild cleanser and consider moisturizing body washes.

What happens if you don’t shower enough?

Just as there are arguments against showering every day, there are downsides of not showering enough as well. Although fewer showers may improve skin health, you should still keep your personal hygiene in mind. If you don't shower enough, you can experience a build-up of dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells on your body, leading to unpleasant body odour, potential skin infections, and irritation due to an imbalance of bacteria on your skin; this can also exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Key points:
Body odour: The primary noticeable issue is a strong body odour caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on your skin.

Skin problems: Accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells can clog pores, leading to acne, and may also irritate the skin, causing redness and inflammation.

Skin infections: In extreme cases, not showering enough can create an environment conducive to bacterial or fungal infections on the skin.

Social implications: Poor hygiene due to infrequent showers can lead to social discomfort and negative perceptions.

Factors to consider:
Activity level: People who exercise frequently or work in physically demanding jobs may need to shower more often.

Climate: Hot and humid climates might necessitate more frequent showering.

Skin type: Some people with sensitive skin might need to adjust their showering frequency to avoid irritation.