Taking a daily shower is as common as drinking a cup of morning coffee and brushing your teeth, but it’s a habit that could be worth breaking, experts say.

Some two-thirds of Americans shower every day. People say their daily showers help them wake up and keep them clean, especially following exercise or exertion or in hot and humid weather.

“When it comes to concerns about health, however, it’s not at all clear that a daily shower accomplishes much,” said Dr. Robert Shmerling, clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School and faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing.

“In fact, a daily shower may even be bad for your health.”

Washing and scrubbing removes the skin’s oil and healthy bacteria, and it can become dry, irritated and itchy.

Dry, cracked skin can allow bacteria to get through, causing infections and allergic reactions.

This is particularly true among older people, whose skin grows thinner, less hydrated, and more sensitive. Dry, cracked skin can allow bacteria to get through, causing infections and allergic reactions.

“I think showering is mostly for esthetic reasons,” says Dr. Elaine Larson, an infectious disease expert and associate dean for research at Columbia University School of Nursing.

“People think they’re showering for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically, that’s not the case.”

Showering can break down the skin’s acid mantle, its natural protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial and viral invasion.

“The skin is stripped of natural oils and protective organisms,” said Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, a Beverly Hills dermatologist.

“This leads to dryness and can exacerbate many skin conditions from eczema to rosacea to psoriasis.”

Also, some doctors say the human immune system needs a certain amount of exposure to microorganisms and dirt to create protective antibodies, and frequent showers over time could be contributing to allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and even diabetes.

“Your body is naturally a well-oiled machine,” said Dr. Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University. “I think most people over-bathe. A daily shower isn’t necessary.’

Also, keep showers short and lukewarm, as too much water, particularly hot water, dries out the skin.

Keep showers short and lukewarm, as too much water, particularly hot water, dries out the skin.

So is it ok to shower once a week?

Mitchell suggested showering or bathing once or twice a week, and experts generally say a few times a week rather than daily is plenty. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your showering routine accordingly. Factors such as sweat production, skin type, and lifestyle should inform your decision on how often to shower.

Lifestyle and activity level

If you lead an active lifestyle or have a physically demanding job, you may need to shower more frequently to remove sweat and dirt. Conversely, those with sedentary lifestyles may require fewer showers.

Climate and environmental conditions

Hot and humid climates can increase sweat production, in which case more frequent showers are needed for comfort. In contrast, cooler climates may permit less frequent showering without compromising hygiene.

“Showering less often in winter makes sense”, Herrmann noted. “In the winter months, when air is drier and indoor heaters are in full force, the skin tends to be more dry,” she said. “Too frequent showering worsens dryness and flares skin conditions.”

Personal preferences and cultural norms

Cultural norms and personal preferences significantly influence showering habits. While some cultures prioritize daily bathing rituals, others may find less frequent showering acceptable or even preferable.

Giving up that daily shower might not be so easy, though.

“It has become an essential and not an optional thing to do,” said Elizabeth Shove, a sociologist at the U.K.’s University of Lancaster who researches water consumption practices.

“Why is it that so many people today pour so many liters of water over themselves to remove just a few specks of dirt, and why do so many do so on such a regular basis?

“When you think about it, it really is very strange,” she said.

Practical tips for maintaining hygiene between showers

You can start with taking shower every other day instead of daily to see whether this method works for your lifestyle. To make the process smoother, remember some tips that will help you keep your body clean in between showers.

Focus on key areas: face, underarms, and genitalia

In between showers, prioritize cleansing key areas prone to sweat and bacteria buildup, such as the face, underarms, and genitalia. Using gentle cleansers and wipes can help maintain freshness without over-drying the skin.

Using dry shampoos and wipes

Dry shampoos and wipes offer convenient alternatives to traditional bathing for refreshing the hair and body between showers. These products absorb excess oil and odor, leaving you feeling clean and revitalized.

How often should you wash your hair?

How many times a week do you think you should wash your hair? Every day? Every other day? According to trichologists, the technical term for health professionals who specialize in hair and scalp, that’s way too often.

“Someone with thin, fine or delicate hair should avoid shampooing too frequently — no more than two times a week — should help maintain the natural oil production, while achieving moisture balance,” says Andrea L. Hayden, Director of the International Association of Trichologists (USA) and owner of The Hair Management Group in San Antonio, TX.

And if you have coarse or curly hair, try once every seven days. “Coarse texture or natural curly hair takes longer to establish a good amount of natural oils, so shampooing can be pushed back to once a week. A person could refresh the hair/scalp mid-week, if necessary, by simply applying a conditioner and rinsing thoroughly.”

See Also

9 things you really shouldn’t say to your grandkids

What thinning hair can tell you about your health

Want to ‘age in place’? Make sure your home has these 6 things

Article updated on March 25, 2024.