Taking showers regularly: Is the trend changing?

While there’s tons of conflicting advice about how often should you shower, daily showers might not be as indispensable to your hygiene as you think. 

Many people shower at least once a day, either in the morning or at night before bed, to stay fresh in the summer. So, depending on the day and activity level, you might take two or three showers.

We strongly believe there is no escaping the all-day germs, bacteria, and grime buildup on our skins without showering with bar soap, but quite the contrary might be true.

There’s no arguing the importance of personal hygiene. But, in many cases, it doesn’t have to be a part of your daily routine.

Not convinced that you can skip the daily shower and stay too clean? Here’s what you need to know about showering too much and not showering enough.

What happens when you shower too much?

Our skin is covered with a protective layer of oil and good bacteria that help protect our skin from dryness and germs. 

You can strip away this layer by showering and scrubbing too much, leading to dry, irritated, and itchy skin. This can cause cracks in the skin that allow germs and allergens to get through, resulting in skin infections or allergies. 

In addition, your body’s immune system needs stimulation from germs, including those on your skin. By showering too much, your body doesn’t get a chance to produce enough antibodies to fight against them. 

Soaps having Triclosan - an antibacterial and antifungal agent - kill off the natural bacterial protection against infectious diseases. This can make an even bigger difference in kids as they require extra protection these days due to weak immune systems. 

Therefore, you must only use antibacterial soap or body wash that are dermatologically tested to contain no TCC or Triclosan, enriched with moisturizers, and offer 100% germ protection while showering. 

Healthy skin isn’t the only reason to shower less, though. Showers use a lot of water, but you may not realize how much.

Taking shorter showers or reducing your number of showers can drastically decrease your family’s water consumption. As a result, you’ll conserve resources and lower your utility bill.

What happens when you don’t shower enough?

While less showering may improve your skin’s health, you should also consider its effects on your overall hygiene. 

Sweat glands cover much of your body, producing sweat when you’re overheated, stressed, hormonal, or physically active. Sweat is odorless — until it combines with bacteria on the skin.

A skipped shower here or there probably won’t trigger a body odor. However, it is inevitable the longer you go without a shower, particularly on your armpits and groin. 

Poor hygiene or infrequent showers can cause a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and sweat on your skin. This can trigger acne and possibly exacerbate conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

Showering too little can also trigger an imbalance of good and bad bacteria on your skin. But on the other hand, too many bad bacteria on your skin also puts you at risk for skin infections. 

Even if you shower enough, you must know these bathroom hygienes and hotspots to protect its users from infections and diseases lurking in that closed space.  

Simplifying the process

Simplifying the scrubbing, showering, or bathing process can vary depending on the person’s routine. So, for example, someone who works at a court and sits at a desk all day is probably not getting bombarded with filth all day, and all they might need to knock off the grime is a good old soft scrub with hands.

Similarly, selecting soap or liquid body wash is a personal choice for men and women. It’s their choice and shouldn’t be taken wrong, even if someone strongly advocates using body wash. 

However, for a hygienic lifestyle, it is recommended to use antibacterial soaps or body wash with zero TCC or Triclosan and 100% germ protection. 

Healthy showering tips

No matter how often you shower, there are things you can do to keep your skin as healthy as possible.

• If possible, use warm water as hot water can strip your body's skin of protective oils. 
• Limit showers to 5 to 10 minutes.
• Don’t rub your skin with a towel. Blot skin dry to retain moisture.
• Apply moisturizer to your skin after each shower or bath.

Each person’s showering needs will differ depending on various factors, including the weather, job environment, hobbies, etc. However, you must do what's best for your skin, whether you shower every other day or every few days. 

FAQs

How do you properly take a shower?

Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying antibacterial soap or body wash. Then, apply it to the whole body using a loofah, washcloth, or your hands. Start at your neck and shoulders, and work your way down the length of your body. Remember to wash your legs and get between your toes with soap and water.

How often should I change my bath towel?

You should change your bath towel at least once a week. Moreover, allow towels to dry completely between uses, as dampness can breed bacteria. 

Is it better to shower with shampoo?

The shampoo contains a lower surfactant level than shower gel. This means it removes less of your scalp’s natural oils allowing hair to stay healthier and less dry.