Contrary to popular belief, taking a daily shower is not the best measure for personal hygiene. And dermatologists even advise spacing out this ritual.
Many of us think that taking a shower every day is essential to staying clean and healthy. However, dermatologist experts qualify this idea. Washing daily can even harm our skin and the environment. Here’s why you might consider reducing the frequency of your showers.
First, we must understand that our skin is naturally equipped to protect itself. It is covered with a hydrolipidic film, a thin layer made up of sebum, sweat and dead cells. This film acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and pollution. When we wash, we remove between 50% and 80% of this natural shield. The problem is that the skin takes around 24 hours to regenerate this film, which means that daily showering weakens this protection. Result ? Our skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation, dryness and even eczema.
Dermatologists recommend showering only three to four times a week, unless you engage in strenuous physical activity or live in very hot weather conditions. In these cases, a daily shower may be necessary to wick away perspiration using mild soaps so as not to irritate the skin.
Excessive hygiene is not only harmful to the skin, it also has repercussions on the environment. On average, each shower consumes between 40 and 60 liters of water, which represents a significant part of our daily consumption. Limiting the number of showers therefore makes it possible to reduce this water consumption, a beneficial gesture for the planet and for our wallet.
However, reducing showers does not mean neglecting hygiene. Certain areas of the body require more regular cleaning. The armpits, feet and private parts, where perspiration is greater and bacteria proliferate more quickly, must be cleaned every day. This helps prevent bad odors and avoid skin infections. Hands, on the other hand, should be washed frequently throughout the day, especially after touching dirty surfaces or before eating.
Finally, it is important to take care of your skin after showering. Applying a moisturizer helps restore the protective film and maintain the suppleness of the epidermis. For people with dry or sensitive skin, spacing out showers and opting for lipid-replenishing products, such as shower gels or oils enriched with omega, helps to better preserve the skin’s natural hydration.