Should You Bathe Every Day? New Research Challenges What We’ve Always Believed:

Taking a shower is often taken for granted by most of us, it requires little thought. Like brushing your teeth or sipping coffee in the morning, it is part of the daily schedule. A shower in the morning can set up for the day and fix your mood. Others enjoy a calming shower before sleeping. Now the real question arises: Is it necessary to shower every day?

The answer might surprise you.

Dr. Rosalind Simpson, a skin specialist and medical researcher at Nottingham University, noted that there is an ongoing common perception that showers are beneficial on a daily basis and that it is critical to exercise caution while overthinking this. In fact, she shared eye-opening insights with The Guardian based on a recent study that she and her team conducted.

Our discussion of this new research and the potential benefits of your skin thanking you for missing a shower is only beginning here.

The Secret Drawback of Daily Showers

In earlier ages, daily bathing was viewed as a sign of good hygiene and sanitation. But as it looks, too much washing or cleaning may be bad for you, especially your skin.

Dr. Simpson shares that excessive showering can lead to an alteration of the skin's natural equilibrium. The protective bacteria and oils on our skin serve to protect it; when we shower too frequently, especially with strong soaps, we risk losing this shield.

What is the outcome?

Dry skin that itches.

Increased sensitivity.

A pruned epidermis that can serve as a gateway for bacteria to the deeper layers of the body.

Greater chances of developing eczema, psoriasis, or many other skin disorders.

And here's the kicker: Too much exposure to water, particularly hot water, will enhance the amount of water you lose, even if you’re using high-end skincare products.

Exposure to Water: When Less Is More.

Dr. Simpson didn’t stop and gave a hypothesis, she provided scientific proof to back it up.

In her study, she noticed that skin became drier relative to the time underwater, despite having a bath, showing that people often stay underwater longer than they should. Thus, how frequently someone showers is only part of the problem; the duration spent within the water is equally important.

What did we learn?

Take short, cool showers instead of long, hot baths.

Do not use soaps or exfoliants that cleanse too deeply.

Choose soaps or emollient creams containing mild detergents that cleanse without removing oils instead.

Toxic Ingredients to Stay Alert Of

For skin issues like dryness and irritation, we often look toward diet or the weather. But it is probable that your soap and shampoo are the real problems.

Dr. Simpson pointed out several common constituents of body washes and shampoos, that are likely doing more harm than good:

Methylisothiazolinone

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Sulfates (like SLS)

Parabens

Such chemicals are known to irritate sensistive skin, particularly among those who suffer from eczema or allergies. To promote better skin health, she recommends switching to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products or, even better, emollient creams that cleanse and hydrate.

The Study: Daily Bathing vs. Skipping a Few Days

To put this theory to the test, Dr. Simpson organized a controlled study of 438 eczema sufferers. They were randomized into two arms:

One arm bathed every day

The other showered a few times a week

Both groups showed no significant difference in dryness or eczema symptoms. This means that daily showers did not significantly worsen or improve their condition.

Her conclusion? We may not need to bathe as much as we think, particularly if we have skin issues.

Is It Really So Bad Not Showering?

I don’t mean to imply this is ok for those who are severely unhygienic. But when showering becomes an obsession, that can actually be problematic.

Here’s an easy rule of thumb:

Shower only if you perspire profusely, or you work in a dirty job, or do a lot of physical exercises. In other words, shower daily if you exercise a lot.

Shower every other day, or consider mild soaps instead of soaps, if your skin is dry or sensitive.

On days when you do not shower, washing your face and doing a spot treatment (armpits, groin, feet) is helpful. You will feel clean without needing to moisturize your body.

What’s Included in Mental Health and Wellness Routines?

Bathing can be a traditional practice geared solely towards cleanliness for some people. The truth is, bathing in of itself can be classified as a form of therapy. A nice, warming bath can calm stress, relax sore muscles, and is an excellent way to reset mentally after a long and tough day.

That said, you do not need a thorough body scrub to reap all those benefits. For example, just rinsing or taking a warm bath will suffice. Your skin will thank you and so will your peace of mind.