Daily showers are not necessary and may not be required health benefitsaccording to some experts.
Proponents of less frequent showers say most people take them every day — or several times a day — only because it has become a societal norm.
“Why do we wash? Mainly because we’re afraid someone else will tell us we smell bad,” said environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy in an interview with the BBC.
McCarthy said he only showers once a month, refreshing with sink washes in between.
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About two-thirds of Americans shower every day, according to Harvard Health.
Some of the most common reasons are to prevent body odor, to freshen up after practice and get help waking up.
Proponents of less frequent showering argue that most people shower every day, or multiple times a day, only because it is today’s societal norm. (iStock)
Potential health impacts of daily showers
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, editor-in-chief of Harvard Health Publishing, noted in an article for Harvard Health that frequent hot showers wash away healthy oils and “good” bacteria from the skin.
As a result, the skin may become dry, itchy or irritated, he noted.
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The skin can also become more susceptible to infections and allergic reactions because harmful bacteria and allergens can penetrate it. dry, cracked areas.
Daily showers could also weaken the immune system, Shmerling warned.
“Our immune system needs some stimulation from normal microorganisms, dirt and other environmental exposures in order to create protective antibodies and ‘immune memory’,” he said.
According to experts, some of the most common reasons to shower are to prevent body odor, to freshen up after a workout, and to get help waking up. (iStock)
“This is one of the reasons why some pediatricians and dermatologists do not recommend daily baths for children. Frequent bathing or showering throughout life can reduce the immune system’s ability to do its job. »
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Risks could also arise from exposure to chemicals found in water – including salts, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride and pesticides – as well as in shampoos, conditioners and soaps.
“Daily showers do not improve your health, they can cause skin problems or other health problems and, above all, they waste a lot of water,” according to an expert. (iStock)
“Excessively cleaning your body is probably not a major health problem,” Shmerling wrote.
“However, daily showers do not improve your health and could cause skin problems or other problems. health problems – and above all, they waste a lot of water. »
A personal decision
While some dermatologists recommend showering every other day or just two or three times a week, according to Healthline, shower frequency depends on personal preference. routines…
