Showering every day or every other day is very normal for most people. Yet this is not as smart as you think. This is how often you should actually shower.
Shower every day
Several dermatologists argue that showering twice a day is far too much, and that washing every day may not be necessary. It is especially important if you have (visible) dirt on your body, if you carry substances that people may be allergic to, such as pollen and pet hair, if you have sweated too much or if you have come into contact with chemicals . A quick wash is sufficient, because the dead skin cells are already rubbed off through your clothes. Washing does not have to take longer than ten minutes.
Bad for the skin
It does ensure that unpleasant odors are removed, but it does not really make you cleaner. So if you wash every day to get rid of all the bacteria from your body, it won’t help. And the more often you shower, the more your skin can dry out. Bacteria can penetrate drier skin better, making you more likely to contract infections. This means that showering too much is actually bad for you!
Lukewarm
Showering that is too hot is also bad for the skin, because it causes the skin to dry out even faster. A lukewarm temperature of below 37 degrees is best, especially if you have fragile skin. People with eczema, for example: these people already have a broken skin protective barrier, which makes them more likely to develop skin infections. And not only the water, but also the soap can cause a lot of damage. The wrong soap can cause the protective layer of fat to disappear from the skin and damage the skin. Therefore, always pay attention to which soap is suitable for your skin type and avoid products that contain aggressive agents, such as alcohol.
Avoid bacteria
But how often should you shower per week? A maximum of twice a week is more than enough to stay clean. However, it is best to wash with a washcloth on the days when you do not shower. Then run a washcloth over the areas that can get dirty, such as the armpits, buttocks and genitals. Also wash your hands regularly to reduce the chance of spreading bacteria.
