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

How often do we really need to shower? The expert opinion surprises us with different figures than we expect.

How many times a day do you need to 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 following a walk, a sporting activity or other is healthy. A good shower can be relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating , but be careful not to abuse it.

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

Shower: expert opinion

Dermatologist José Raúl González says that bathing several times a day and washing very well is more harmful than taking a bath. The reason, he explains, is that frequent cleaning of the skin destroys the protective barriers in the skin such as the acid and horny mantle.

Of the same opinion is also Dr. Elaine Larson , associate professor at the School of Nursing, University of Columbia (USA). Also an expert in infectious diseases, she recounts her research in TIME magazine: Larson says that people think they take showers for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically it is not. 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 often do you have to take a shower?

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (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 claims that for health, so not for 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: the health risks

For some time now, experts have been warning 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 gets too dry. It is better to use warm 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 body wash 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: it is better to rub with your hand. And once you have finished cleaning, you have to dry yourself very well with a towel, dabbing the skin, without rubbing it . And finally, moisturize 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 ), a healthy and sustainable shower should not exceed five minutes .

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