Taking a shower in the morning seems like the perfect way to start the day, refreshed and ‘clean’. However, more and more people are speaking out against it, saying they shower once every two days, once a week or never at all. Approximately two-thirds of Americans shower daily, while that percentage is over 80% in Australia. However, in China, half of the population bathes only twice a week. In many societies, the stigma against not showering daily is big, all benefits aside.
Why do you shower? It’s a question that might seem absurd but when you think about it, it’s not that simple. To get rid of unwanted odours, probably, and out of habit, certainly. Reasons we should reconsider according to science. The Harvard Medical School indicates there are actually several reasons why you should reconsider showering every day.
“Healthy skin maintains a layer of oil and a balance of ‘good’ bacteria and other microorganisms. Washing and scrubbing removes these, especially if the water is hot”, Robert H. Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, wrote in an article.
Dry and irritated skin, infections due to cracked skin, antibiotic-resistant organisms and a reduced immune system are just some of the downsides of taking a daily shower according to Shmerling. Apart from doing your skin a favour by showering less frequently, the environmental impact seems evident.
“While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice”, said Shmerling.
So how to shower less? Well, not showering on a daily basis doesn’t mean you can’t freshen up. Just like before showers were a thing, you could simply wash yourself with a washcloth at the sink on days you don’t go for a full bath. Rinse your face, armpits, groin and feet in order to feel fresh and go on with your day. Chances are, nobody will notice.
