You Don't Have to Shower Every Day, Dermatologists Say
A new study shows that bathing too often is actually really bad for your skin.
If you take daily showers, you may be doing more harm to your body than good. A
new study shows that bathing too often is actually really bad for your skin.
"We over-bathe in this country," says Boston dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch. "That's really important to realize. A lot of the reasons we do it is because of societal norms."
It's true. We're told by parents, friends and media that we have to regularly shave, moisturize, shower and shampoo to stay clean and smelling fresh. But the truth is that showering once a day dries out your skin and removes essential oils.
Dermatologists say, the more you wash, especially in hot water, the more likely you are to dry out and irritate your skin. You could be washing away good bacteria that naturally helps your skin and make small cracks that can lead to skin infections.
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You Asked: How Often Should I Shower?
Too much all-over bathing may even raise your risk for some health issues. Dry, cracked skin opens up gaps for infection-causing germs to slip through. That means frequent bathing when your skin is already dry—and especially as you age, when your skin becomes thinner and less hydrated—may increase the odds of coming down with something, Larson says.
Other experts agree. “I think most people over-bathe,” says Dr. C. Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University.
Mitchell says washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, and may also disrupt the skin's population of immune system-supporting bacteria. That’s especially true of antibacterial cleansers, which both he and Larson recommend you ditch. (More reason to skip the antibacterial soaps: Some research has linked triclosan, an ingredient found in many of these products, to potential health risks.)