Some people question the necessity of showering every day. Indeed, it appears that in most cases, daily soaping could be harmful to the skin. This topic has been debated many times, so what is the actual situation?
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Should we take a shower every day?
Summary
- The unexpected benefits of showering
- What effects do daily showers have?
- The ideal frequency for showering
Published November 5, 2021,
updated on August 8, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
The unexpected benefits of showering.
After a long day at work, or an intense day filled with emotions and pressure, one of the things that feels good when returning home is taking a refreshing shower. Indeed, water is beneficial for both the body and the mind. Some people therefore choose to shower, not just for cleanliness, but primarily to clear their minds and de-stress. In fact, water creates negative air ionisation, which soothes the autonomic nervous system. This means that when the body is in contact with water and air (particularly when naked in the shower), the tensions of the nervous system instantly calm down.
Furthermore, showering allows for skin renewal by removing layers of dead skin that prevent it from "breathing" healthily. Showering is a way to deeply exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin and residues that suffocate it. Dead skin hinders the skin's oxygenation and can lead to the appearance of spots, redness, and other issues. Moreover, when dead skin is thick on the epidermis, it interferes with the body's thermal regulation. Individuals with oily skin or those who are overweight are more likely to encounter this problem.
What effects do daily showers have?
Although dead skin cells can be harmful to the body when they accumulate, meaning when they are not regularly removed, they do serve a purpose. In fact, these cells protect the skin's hydrolipidic film. This layer ensures the skin's hydration and acts as a barrier that prevents various bacteria from reaching our body. Daily washing, especially for more than 10 minutes, each time removes a portion of this protective barrier. Consequently, the skin quickly becomes dry and vulnerable to diseases. On average, the skin should renew itself every 21 days. This is the average time it takes to remove dead cells through showering or exfoliation.
The ideal frequency for showering.
Clearly, it's not a question of waiting 21 days to take a shower. However, it turns out that it's not essential to bathe every day, except in cases of exposure to pollutants or dirt on a daily basis. In fact, the ideal shower frequency varies from one individual to another, depending on activities, profession, environment, lifestyle, etc. For example, a person who works on a construction site or in a kitchen should wash more than a person who works from home, shielded from pollution and dirt.
Furthermore, sweat production varies from person to person. Men and women do not experience cleanliness in the same way: some feel the need to take one or two showers a day, while others can comfortably go without. This difference is also accentuated by age and gender. For instance, men often need to shower more frequently, as male hormones stimulate sebum secretion. This leads to an accumulation of dead skin cells. Additionally, men tend to sweat more intensely. Therefore, the ideal average frequency would be a shower every other day. To gently exfoliate the face and body, we offer a 100% natural poppy care soap that cleanses and exfoliates.
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