Whether you prefer a long, hot shower or a nice, relaxing bubble bath, we all enjoy a good soak to help us rid ourselves of the stresses of daily life, in addition to keeping up good personal hygiene.
Saying that, there are also those among us who might only shower ahead of special occasions, like a big date, although it’s hard to imagine those people going on many dates owing to their body odour.
But there is such a thing as showering (or bathing) too often, and this could lead to a range of skin problems, experts have warned.
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According to a poll byYouGov, around three quarters of people in the UK said they showered everyday or almost everyday.
Around 49 percent said they showered daily, while 20 percent said they showered four to six times a week. A further 6 percent said they showered more than once a day.
But some experts say showering too much could lead to skin conditions such as dryness and eczema, as doing this can wash away some essential natural oils your body produces to protect your skin.
Robert H. Shmerling, a Senior Faculty Editor atHarvard Health Publishing, has said: “Daily showers do not improve your health, could cause skin problems or other health issues — and, importantly, they waste a lot of water.”
The expert added that while there is “no ideal frequency” for the amount of showers one should take, experts suggest that “showering several times per week is plenty” for most people.
However, the amount one should shower could depend on several factors, such as what kind of activities they do throughout the day, the season and how oily their skin is.
Speaking toReal Simple, Michele Green, a New York City–based cosmetic dermatologist, said: "Some people need to shower once or twice a day after working up a sweat, while others who aren't as active, may only need to shower several times a week.
"While the importance of personal hygiene can't be understated, everyone's skin is different. Depending on the season, your skin, and your preferences, the frequency of your showers may vary throughout the year."
Los Angeles–based dermatologist Lisa Chipps, meanwhile, said: "For healthy skin, it's best to keep showers quick and lukewarm. While long, hot showers may feel great, they can break down the skin's natural barrier and lead to dry and irritated skin."
She added: "After bathing, blot (don't scrub) your skin dry and apply a gentle moisturiser to any areas that are prone to dry skin.”
Shmerling, also recommended limiting shower time to three or four minutes, noting that a “focus on the armpits and groin” may suffice.
He said: “If you’re like me, it may be hard to imagine skipping the daily shower. But if you’re doing it for your health, it may be a habit worth breaking.”
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