Rethinking Shower Habits: Are You Overdoing It?

In the UK, past studies found that around half the population doesn’t shower daily, largely due to working from home. For most of us, however, this feels uncomfortable. Many people shower once or twice a day and can’t imagine going 24 hours without a hot shower.

Yet dermatologists caution against these habits, suggesting that using soap less frequently may actually benefit your skin. They recommend showering every couple of days, though this depends on the individual.

Dr. Mary Stevenson, a dermatology expert from New York, explains: "Personal hygiene is just that—personal. You should shower, wash, or clean yourself every two to three days. However, if you exercise and sweat daily, it’s important to shower after each workout."

These findings may seem surprising and raise an important question: is it better to shower with less soap? Dr. Angela Lamb, head of a dermatology faculty in the U.S., states, "There’s no scientific evidence that you must shower after a specific period. It’s largely a matter of personal preference. Some people don’t produce body odor like others. From a social perspective, they might be able to delay showers longer. Much of our showering frequency is cultural and social."

Regarding the effects of showering too much, Lamb says, "Excessive showers can dry out the skin and disrupt your skin barrier. Over-cleansing can even increase the risk of infections. The skin is protected by certain bacteria and other factors that you want to preserve, so showering several times a day is generally not recommended."