Some dermatologists think daily showers harm the skin

Do more or less six out of 10 Americans take showers daily?

Several experts state that taking a shower everyday is unnecessary and might actually be bad.

Advocates of light showering claim most people shower daily, or maybe perhaps many times per day, since it’s socially anticipated.

“Why do we need to wash?” In an interview with the BBC, environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy stated the primary motivation for accomplishing this would be the worry that somebody else will notice our body odor.

McCarthy said he only takes showers once per month and also freshens himself with sink washes.

But Harvard Health reports that about 66% of Americans take a shower daily.

Common reasons include avoiding body odor, refreshing after exercise and getting a wake up boost.

Daily showering might have health consequences?
Harvard Health Publishing senior school editor Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. noted in a Harvard Health article that hot showers can strip skin of its oils and helpful bacteria.

The skin could end up dry, inflamed or itchy, he added.

Dry and cracked skin may also become infected with bacteria and allergens.

Shmerling also warned that every day showering can weaken the immune system.

He said our immune systems require some exposure to common household germs, dirt and the environment to form protective antibodies and immunity.

This is a primary reason pediatricians and dermatologists discourage kids from taking baths regularly. The life span of showers or baths might make the immune system less efficient in doing its job.

Some other potentially hazardous substances are hair treatment products, cleansers, insecticides and metals.

Shmerling stated too much body cleanliness is unlikely to present a significant health hazard.

Dr David Cohen states that taking showers each day doesn’t enhance health, could worsen skin disorders along with other health conditions, and also results in excessive use of water.

A personal choice
Based on Healthline, dermatologists suggest showering two to three times per week while other people suggest three to four times a week.

Industry professionals warn that not receiving plenty of showering could result in aggravation, zits, discoloration of the skin, infections of the skin, and the scent of skin diseases including dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

Shmerling of the Harvard Health article noted that although there’s no “magic number,” most people can take several showers a week — unless they are have, sweaty, and greasy particular reasons for taking much more frequent showers.

Showers lasting three to four minutes – with a focus on the groin and arms – might be sufficient, she said.