Rethinking Shower Habits: Are You Overdoing It?

In the UK, past studies found that around half the population doesn't shower daily, largely due to working from home. However, for most of us, this feels uncomfortable. Many people shower once or twice a day and can't bear the thought of going 24 hours without a hot shower.

However, dermatologists caution against these habits: they suggest that using soap less frequently might actually benefit your skin. According to them, you should shower every couple of days, although this depends on the individual.

Dr. Mary Stevenson, a dermatology expert from New York, explains, "After all, personal hygiene is just that – personal. You should shower, wash, or clean yourself every two to three days. However, if you exercise and sweat daily, it's important to shower after each workout."

These findings may seem unusual and raise an important question – is it better to shower with less soap? Dr. Angela Lamb, the head of a dermatology faculty in the U.S., states, "There's no real scientific evidence that you must shower after a specific period. It's mainly a matter of personal preference. Some people don't produce body odor like others. From a social perspective, they might be able to delay showers for longer. Much of our showering frequency is cultural and social."

On the question of what happens if you shower too much, Lamb says, "Too frequent showers can dry out the skin and disrupt your skin barrier. You can actually create a tendency to develop infections if you over-cleanse yourself. The skin is protected by certain bacteria and other factors you want to preserve, so showering several times a day is generally not a good idea."