Shower: how many times do you have to do it? (less often than you think)

How many times do we really need to take a shower? The expert opinion surprises us with different figures than what we expect.

How many times a day should I shower? It is a question we often ask ourselves but the answer is not always clear . We wonder if, after a first time, getting back under the jet of water after a walk, a sport or something else is healthy. A nice shower can be relaxing, invigorating and regenerating , but be careful not to abuse it.

The figures reported by dermatologists are different from those dictated by the policy of correct hygiene: once or twice a week it would be enough!

Shower: expert advice

The dermatologist José Raúl González says that bathing several times a day and washing very well is more harmful than not taking a bath. The reason, he explains, is that frequent cleaning of the skin destroys the protective barriers present in the skin such as the acid and horny coat.

Dr. Elaine Larson , associate professor at the School of Nursing, University of Columbia (USA) is also of the same opinion. Also an expert in infectious diseases, she tells her research in TIME magazine: Larson says that people think they take a shower for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically this is not the case. The bathroom eliminates the bad smell if you are sweaty or go to the gym. But from a disease prevention perspective, washing your hands regularly is probably the best thing to do.

How many times do you have to take a shower?

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venusology (AEDV) points out that the skin can only withstand a daily shower .

Dr. Brandom Mitchell , professor of dermatology at George Washington University (USA), goes further. He says that as far as health is concerned, so not because of the smell or appearance, taking a shower once or twice a week is enough , as the body is a naturally well-oiled machine.

Too many showers: health risks

Experts, for some time now, have warned about the increase in skin diseases caused by excessive hygiene.

In this specific case, in addition to the frequency, it is recommended to avoid washing with very hot water because the skin dries out too much. It is better to use lukewarm water and very little soap (ideally a soap or gel with a pH between 5.5 and 6) or natural or vegetable ones . Beware, however, of chemicals that make a lot of foam. These shampoos and shower gel dry, irritate and, by reaction, fatten the skin and hair. Many commercial products also contain many carcinogens, such as parabens , which make the skin more sensitive to disease or eczema .

Sponges are also to be avoided: better to rub with your hand. And once the cleaning is finished, you must dry very well with the towel, dabbing the skin, without rubbing it . And finally hydrate it with a special cream or oil.

So, if we really have to shower more than once a day, or if we can’t do without it, it would be advisable to rinse only with water or use as little soap as possible.

The ideal duration of a shower

And finally, how long should we stay under the jet of water? According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ), for a shower to be healthy and sustainable it should not exceed five minutes .

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