In the last few years of my adulthood, I have begun to question many of the beautiful myths I have been told throughout my life. “You don’t need sunscreen inside!” Excluded. “You should wash your hair every day!” Excluded. “The only way to get rid of a zit is to pop it!” Downloaded a million times. “You don’t have to shave past your knees!” Of course, still use tact. And most recently, I began to question a very common beauty myth: let us of course do you have to shower every day? I’m sure you’ve thought too. I mean, I did it before, and my body didn’t implode. But is daily bathing necessary as our mothers have told us since we were children?
To be clear, if I smell, I shower, but do I need to add my entire shower routine to my day when I feel (and smell) clean as a whistle? My first thought: probably not. So I went to an expert to get to the bottom of it, and I know you’ll appreciate what he has to say. Spoiler: I really did.
Should you shower every day?
Depending on Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, no! Showering removes dirt, pollution, oil and sweat from our skin, so how often you shower depends on your activity level and skin type. “If you have dry or sensitive skin, I recommend washing every 2-3 days,” Dr. Birnbaum said. “On the other hand, if you have a sensitive skin type and are prone to acne, it is important to wash to avoid breakouts.” He explained that normally, a daily shower will be enough to keep your skin clean and free of irritation.
What to do after exercise
Dr. Birnbaum recommends showering regularly after sweating to avoid irritation or skin irritation. However, try not to use too much soap. If you know you have to work at 6 o’clock tonight, try not to shower that morning before work. Showering too much can dry out your skin, especially if you don’t use the right products, shower for too long, or have hot water (more than all of these at the same time!).
And really, if you’re dirty, please take a shower. It’s better to have a little whiff than to smell it, really.
How to limit physical stress
Dr. Birnbaum offers a few tips to take care of your skin while you shower.
- Avoid very hot water. Instead of bathing in warm or cool water.
- Limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes so you don’t stand in the water for long.
- Use your fingers to scrub and spread the soap physically instead of a cloth or loofah. (If they are not fresh or clean every time, these can carry a lot of bacteria and spread around the dirt and gunk you removed from your last shower.)
- Choose a mild, unscented (or fragrance-free) soap.
- After showering, pat your skin dry and a towel instead of cutting it. This can lead to more breakouts that you don’t want when your skin is wet and weak. If you have a microfiber towel, even better.
- When your skin is still a little wet, apply any moisturizing cream or lotion.
Fun fact: as Dr. Birnbaum, you don’t need to use soap all over your body. Also, if you go on a week-long camping trip and get dirty, you’ll want to wash up everywhere. Otherwise, Dr. Birnbaum says you only need soap under the arms and legs. If your skin is dry and easily irritated, try this method during your regular shower, not the gym or the shower.
Bathing is essential to our life and death
Give orders
The white is very sensitive
Soothing oatmeal is infused into this sweet-smelling body lotion to hydrate and soften even the most sensitive skin. Since it is the right pH, it will support the skin’s barrier while delivering gentle hygiene.
Naturium
Wash the body that makes more oil
This scented body wash switches from oil to gentle heat to cleanse skin without stripping it of essential moisture. With the help of glycerin and squalane, your skin will feel fresh and hydrated.
Frank Head
Washing the body
This pH neutral and fragrance-free body wash is safe to use all over your body (even the bottom). Ingredients like kakadu plum, coffee beans, and pomegranate seeds remove sweat and cleanse the skin without foaming or stripping, leaving your skin soft and clean.
Famous
AHA Exfoliating Body Scrub
Heal scars, target hyperpigmentation, and clear dry patches with this dermatologist-tested, non-greasy, sensitive skin-approved exfoliator. AHAs and pumice beads work hand in hand with pomegranate enzymes to soften the skin and promote cell renewal.
It is important
The Exfoliant Bar
Plant oils, niacinamide, and five essential ceramides make up a 2% alcohol body exfoliant that is skin-tested, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types. If you struggle with baldness, keratosis pilaris, or dry and rough skin, this drink can help soften your skin.
Hanni
Treatment of the body wet in the shower
Jojoba, shea butter and coconut oil work together to soften and moisturize your skin. The shower is used to work with the water of the moisturizer, so before turning off the water, apply it to wet skin and rinse quickly before getting out of the shower and dry.
Verb
Water cream
Fragrant and suitable for all skin types, the cream is not heavy while still providing softness and hydration. Aloe vera clearly helps to fix any irritation you have and coconut oil works as a moisturizer to lock in moisture. This cream goes on and is effective. What’s not to like?
Glossier
Grass oil dry-touch
A mess-free oil that’s fast-carrying? Talk a little. This sunflower seed, grape seed, and oat oil nourishes, moisturizes, and instantly reduces dryness. Place after shower on your dry (but still warm) soft towel to seal in moisture.
