Do you really need to shower every day? – 10/30/2023 – Balance

If you feel the need to shower daily, you’re certainly not alone: ​​In a 2021 survey of more than 5,700 adults in the United States, more than 60% of respondents said they showered at least once a day.

However, dermatologists say many people don’t need and may not want to shower as often.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to washing your skin and hair,” says Joyce Park, a dermatologist in Seattle. The ideal frequency depends on your skin and hair type, the amount of sweat and dirt you accumulate, she says.

He adds, “Showering too often can definitely dry out your skin, worsening redness, itching and peeling, and triggering eczema flare-ups.”

When to shower daily

Some people benefit from showering every day. For example, if you sweat a lot—whether from exercise, work, or a natural predisposition to sweating—”it’s important to shower to remove sweat and buildup that can contribute to clogged pores and acne,” says Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist based in New York City. New York.

If you have oily hair, you may also want to wash your hair daily. Dry shampoo can help in a pinch, says Garshick, but “remember to use a traditional shampoo to help eliminate product buildup and excess oil,” which can clog pores and lead to scalp irritation and sensitivity. .

People with dandruff may also want to wash their hair once a day, says Azadeh Shirazi, a dermatologist in La Jolla, California. Dandruff is not caused by dry skin, but rather by a yeast-like fungus that feeds on the oil on your scalp and can inflame your skin, causing it to peel. Washing your hair daily can eliminate the fungi that cause dandruff, she says.

When to be prudent

Many other people may benefit from showering less frequently — or at least being careful about how they shower.

For example, if you have eczema, dry or sensitive skin, you may want to shower every other day. Soap and water can make dry skin worse, says Park, causing irritation and itchiness. And showering too frequently can dry out your skin to the point of cracking and allowing microorganisms to enter, increasing your risk of skin infection, adds Garshick.

For these reasons, experts have recommended showering rather than bathing in a bathtub, as exposing your skin to hot, dirty, or soapy water for long periods can be irritating. Garshick notes, however, that certain types of baths may be useful for treating some conditions — such as sitz baths for hemorrhoids, oatmeal baths for eczema, or baths with bleach dilution for eczema or skin infections.

If your hair or scalp is dry, you can limit washing your hair to once or twice a week, adds Garshick. Some people with curly or frizzy hair may also prefer to wash their hair less frequently, she says.

If you have eczema, dry or sensitive skin and still really want to cleanse your body every day, take short, not too hot showers, and consider applying soap only to the parts that need it most: armpits, groin, hands, feet and body parts that are visibly dirty, says Garshick.

That said, it’s important to be careful when applying soap to the sensitive skin around the genital area, Shirazi said. While it’s good to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser around the vulva, as well as the groin folds and scrotum, it’s best to avoid using soap on the vagina, anus, or penis. “Just use water,” she says.

You can also minimize dry, irritated, and itchy skin in general by choosing gentle cleansers or bar soaps that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, says Garshick. She recommends Dove Original Beauty Bar, CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash, and Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash. In general, she says, look for fragrance-free cleansers — not unscented, which can contain masked fragrance and irritate your skin.

And “when you get out of the shower, dry your skin by patting, not rubbing,” Park said. “Apply moisturizer from head to toe on damp skin.”