Should we shower every day? What the experts say

YEAH as a general rule, you should bathe every day, but do dermatologists agree with her?

According to an article on Martha Stewart's website, contrary to what the rule says, most people do not need to bathe every day to keep their skin healthy and good hygiene. 

Dermatologist Aderonke Obayomi argues: “taking a full bath every day is a habit, not a medical need”.

“What your skin really needs daily is much less than that: washing the areas that transpire and retain odors, such as armpits, groin, feet and folds of the skin,” he stressed. 

The expert says that many people can take a bath every other day or sometimes a week and still “have a perfectly healthy skin”. 

How bathing affects skin hygiene and health

Skin health and good hygiene are distinct objectives. “Hygiene means removing sweat, bacteria and odors,” says Obayomi. “Skin health means protecting the skin barrier, the outer layer that retains water and prevents the entry of irritant substances”. 

Taking a bath, especially with soap and hot water, can remove some of the essential natural oils for the skin barrier. 

If you exercise every day, sweat a lot or just feel better after a bath, make sure it is short, with warm water and moisturizes the skin immediately afterwards.

How often should one shower?

Dermatologist Pearl Ugwu-Dike indicates that most healthy adults can bathe every day or every other day. For others, four times can be enough. 

“ The frequency of baths should reflect their lifestyle, not an arbitrary rule”, she says. “After all, the health of the skin is not limited to the frequency with which it bathes, but rather to the way it preserves the protective barrier, keeping the skin clean. This requires a weighted and individualised approach”.

To determine your own bathing routine, take into account your age, skin type, activity level and environment.

Advantages and disadvantages of bathing daily

Advantages

Removes sweat, oiliness, dead cells and bacteria before they accumulate

According to Obayomi, bathing every day can help with body odors, obstructed pores and rashes on the chest and back, as well as fungal infections in hot and moist areas, such as the feet and folds of the skin. 

Help with allergies

Bathing daily also removes pollen and allergens from skin and hair, which helps some people with allergies.

Offers an important ritual

For many people, a bath is simply part of feeling ready for the day or relaxing at night, and it has its own value.

Disadvantages

Drys the skin

“ Excessive cleaning, especially with hot water, can remove the protective lipids and increase the loss of transepidermal water, which can make the skin more prone to eczema, irritation or dryness”, explains Ugwu-Dike. “A daily bath is usually not excessive. Everything depends on the person and the environment in which he lives”.

Consumes more water

If you live in a region prone to drought, the frequency and duration of your baths may have a negative impact on the environment. Bathing daily can exert more pressure on water resources, especially if the baths are long. For those who care about water preservation, shorter and less frequent baths are recommended.

5 signs that you are taking a shower very often

1. Sensation of skin pulled right after the bath;

2. Itchy feeling, especially at night or in winter;

3. peeling, rough areas or greyish appearance;

4. Crisis of eczema and inflamed and sensitive skin;

5. Small cracks or thin lines in the cinnamon or hands.

5 signs you're not bathing enough

1. Persistent body odor;

2. Oily skin or hair;

3. Skin rashes on the chest, back or shoulders, especially if you usually sit in sweaty clothes;

4. Irritation in skin folds;

5. Dark, scaly stains that look like dirt and don't disappear.

Experts also point out that instinct plays a key role. That is, if you feel like you need a bath, do it without worries or weights on your conscience.