There are lots of beauty myths that have been debunked since the invention of TikTok.
“You don’t need to slather on sunscreen when you’re in the house” – girl, UV rays be moving like Shadowcat. They’ll find you wherever you are.
“The only way to get rid of a zit is by popping it!” Ummmm…no. You’ll only be making it worse for your skin.
And then there’s the controversial “you need to shower every day.” Well, the jury is still out on this one.
But with Barbie castmate America Ferrera revealing that her guilty pleasure is “not showering for a few days,” the internet is back at it, and people are wondering, “Do you actually have to shower every day?” And if you don’t, “are there repercussions to your health?”
Well, here’s what the experts are saying about it:
How Often Should You Shower?
Here’s the thing: Theirs is a “no one size fits all answer” to the how many times a week should you bathe or shower question. It’s mostly a matter of personal preference. So, as the topic appears in cultural conversations, it’s ripe for discussion.
The subject has come up severally, but it blew up after Jake Gyllenhaal told Vanity Fair that he finds “bathing to be less necessary, at times.” He also said, “There’s a whole world of not bathing that is also really helpful for skin maintenance, and we naturally clean ourselves.”
Dwayne Johnson strongly opposed that take, sharing on Twitter that he takes multiples showers in a single day.
Mila Kunis and her husband, Ashton Kutcher, also found themselves wrapped in the controversy surrounding the bathing routines when they revealed that their children don’t have daily full-body washes. “If you can see the dirt on them, clean them,” Kutcher said during an appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
Then there was this social media conversation in which a babe revealed that she only “showers” once a week and doesn’t even wash her body…
@knowforsurepod We know this topic is so last year ? but cmon be honest do y’all shower EVERYDAY of your life. You never been busy and skipped a day ? Or just laid in bed all day? Cmon now ? Somebody lyinnnnn…. Episode 56 with @khadeeniam is in front of a LIVE audience! It’s so good and out NOW‼️ LINK IN BIO ?? #KnowForSurePod #podcast #foryou ♬ original sound – KnowForSurePod
@jsydmusic How often do you shower ????#fypシ #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – THEOFFICIALYD
@todayshow Dermatologists (to Al’s shock) actually recommend showering two to three times per week. #TODAYShow ♬ original sound – TODAY Show
@sadgrlt 40 degree weather doing physical activity and you’re showering every 3 days. felt like torture. #fyp ♬ original sound – Allankisser
Are There Any Health Detriments To Not Showering Too Often?
Experts say it’s vital to safeguard your skin’s natural oils by ensuring you don’t strip them with too much soap and scrubbing. But it’s also essential to wash off the dirt, excessive oil, bacteria, and allergens that might contribute to breakouts and certain skin infections.
As for shower frequency, this mainly “depends on you” and your routine – including activity level, lifestyle, skin type, and age. If you have dry or sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend showering every 2-3 days.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to rinse off often to avoid breakouts. Generally, bathing every other day is sufficient to maintain clean, irritation-free skin.
If you experience excessive sweating or struggle with body odor, you should consider showering every other day to avoid breakouts and skin irritation. But it would be best if you avoided using too much soap.
And, of course, if you’re visibly dirty or have a foul stink, please bathe. It’s always better to experience a little dryness than stinking up a room.
There are also cultural differences in bathing. For instance, over two-thirds of Americans shower daily. In Australia, Kenya, and other parts of Africa, it’s over 80%. But in China, about half of the population reports bathing only twice a week,” per Harvard Health Publishing.
Perspectives About Showering
Your Kid Might Not Need A Daily Bath
Daily baths for kids are not necessary. How frequently your kid needs to shower depends on age and activity levels.
Shower Frequency Has Little To Do With Health
Besides considering it healthier, most people shower daily because of body odor; it helps some become rejuvenated for the day and part of their morning routine (after a sweat-breaking workout).
Each reason holds merit, especially considering body odor or personal hygiene could influence interpersonal and professional relationships. But what is regarded as acceptable in this regard differs across cultures.
Moreover, what most consider “acceptable cleaning habits” is influenced heavily by marketing.
Taking Multiple Showers Is Your Skin’s Pet Peeve
Individuals who bathe every morning, after a gym session, then again before bed might need to reconsider their routines. Multiple showers a day can be very drying and irritating for your skin.
Once a day is just enough. And if you have to go to the gym, maybe take a bathe after and not “before and after.”
Debatable – Showers Don’t Have To Include Soap
The University of Nebraska University Health Center recommends using soap only on your groin area, armpits, and feet. Those areas are prone to bacteria and allergens and can get smelly. Any other areas are good with just water.
Do you agree?
There Are Healthier Ways To Shower
If you struggle with psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, limit your showers to 5 minutes and bathe for 10 to 15 minutes. And please, use warm – NOT HOT- water every time, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends.
You might also want to use your fingertips to lather and spread soap instead of a loofah or bath cloth. And when you’re done, blot your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it.
You Should Consider Your Occupation
If you have a laborious job, you’re probably bathing more often than the average person – which is acceptable and good for you.
ECT-Recommended Shower Essentials
Makeda In-Shower Body Melt, $46
Formulated with rare body-loving ingredients like Egyptian black seed oil, decadent Moroccan blue tansy, immortelle oil, and violet left, this deep hydration balm does an incredible job sealing in moisture before you even step out of your shower.
Tree Hut Papaya Paradise Shea Scrub, $11
This is your chance to smell like a tropical vacation. Packed with fun, island-ey notes of coconut, papaya, and pineapple, this Tree Hut Body Scrub is a perfect pick for those looking for some serious exfoliation.
Just apply a substantial amount to your skin, gently rub, and rinse – and boom! You’re all clean, fresh, and softer than a baby’s bum!
Nude Sugar Plum Elixir, $35
With a proprietary blend of humectants that deliver deep, lasting hydration, your skin will finally “breathe again” after using this fabulous serum. And with a signature scent of creamy vanilla, orange blossom, and Peruvian lime, who would pass it up?
