The shower debate has always been, ‘Should you shower in the morning or at night?’. But have you ever wondered if showering once a day is enough? The experts have weighed in on the age old question … how often should you shower?
How often should you shower, then?
Not only have the experts said showering once a day is not ideal, but that we are actually washing ourselves too much! YEP! So you can appreciate when asked how often you should shower, both the doctors and dermatologists said a few showers per week should be enough unless you exert yourself by doing lots of exercise, lifting heavy, getting sweaty, or working outdoors. Then you need to increase the frequency; otherwise, a few times a week it is!
In fact, it’s been said that too frequent showering can actually have an adverse effect on your health!
“Normal, healthy skin maintains a layer of oil and a balance of ‘good’ bacteria and other microorganisms. Washing and scrubbing removes these, especially if the water is hot,” Dr Robert Shmerling, MD of Harvard Health, told Upworthy.
Removing the protective layer of skin when showering can make our skin dry, irritated and itchy. Scratching at our skin can damage its delicate barrier and allow allergens or harmful bacteria to get into our skin. Hot showers are especially problematic for those who suffer from eczema.
Our immune system relies on us to expose it to microorganisms, dirt and other environments to create what Dr Shmerling calls an ‘immune memory’. This means that our immune system will ‘remember’ when it has been exposed to specific environments and will provide protection against harmful pathogens.
So, how can we keep our skin healthy?
What might be good for your skin may be different for your children. And the frequency, heat and length of showers come down to individual preferences.
However, good skin care can help delay skin ageing and prevent skin problems later in life, so given that our skin is our largest organ, it’s worth keeping it happy and healthy!
Tips on how to look after yours and your children’s skin
- Keep your shower lukewarm. Hot water can strip the skin of sebum, the healthy oils and fats necessary for skin health, and dries out the skin. Keep the temperature tepid, and your skin will thank you for it.
- Have a short shower or bath. Blasting your skin with water or soaking in a tub too long will also dry your skin. Keep it short and sweet, and don’t forget to wash those pits and bits!
- Avoid strong soaps. Soap and detergents can strip the oils off your skin just as much as hot water. Choose mild cleansers, or use water in delicate areas.
- Pat your skin dry, don’t rub. When getting out of the bath or shower, use a clean towel to pat yourself dry so some of the water’s moisture stays on your skin.
- Moisturise! Use a moisturiser that suits your skin type if you have dry skin patches. If you’re having a morning shower, remember to add SPF to protect your skin all day from the sun’s rays.
- Skincare bonus points if you eat a healthy diet, manage your stress, avoid smoking or vaping, and spend time out of the sun. These actions will keep your skin happy, healthy, and plump for longer.
So, whether you reduce or shorten your showers, keeping your skin happy will ensure it stays healthy, plump, moisturised and protected against premature ageing and the elements.
For more tips on how to take care of your skin, visit the Mayo Clinic’s website.
