When it comes to showering, we all have our preferences. Some feel a need to start their day off fresh. Others prefer to shower at night, going to bed clean and having more time in the morning. Many people shower more often in warm weather than in cool. On the whole, however, dermatologists say most of us are probably showering too often. Here how you can tell, and why it matters:
Signs You’re Showering Too Much
According to dermatologist Dr. Danny Guo, MD, showering too often—especially with hot water—can lead to dry skin, irritation, itch, and flaring of skin conditions like eczema. This is because it strips the protective oils of the skin, weakening the skin barrier—and the hotter the water, the more it strips your skin, Dr. Guo says.
A lot of this comes down to lifestyle, specifically how active you are. For most healthy adults with sedentary to moderately active lifestyles, showering every other day is enough, as long as you wash your armpits, groin, and feet with a gentle cleanser on off days, Dr. Khan says.
If you exercise (read: get sweaty) most days, you’ll need to shower daily to wash away sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. But try to keep it short (ten minutes tops), use lukewarm water, and be sure to moisturize afterward to help minimize the risk of drying.
Dr. Khan adds seniors may want to shower less frequently, as aging skin produces less sebum and has a thinner, more fragile epidermis. The same goes if you live in a cold, dry climate, because low humidity already stresses the skin barrier.
Signs You’re Not Showering Enough
Skipping showers too often can lead to clogged pores, body acne, irritated skin, and a buildup of sweat, oil, and dead skin that leaves your skin looking dull and can encourage bacteria and fungi to thrive, dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD says. This is especially true for those who are physically active, work outdoors, work in dirty or occupationally hazardous environments, or live in hot, humid climates, Dr. Khan says.
Skipping showers for too long lets sweat, oil, dead skin, and dirt build up, which can trigger body acne—thanks to the clogged pores—especially under tight clothing. That buildup also creates the warm, damp conditions bacteria and fungi love, increasing your risk of itchy rashes and skin infections, Dr. Khan says. On top of that, all those dead skin cells can leave your skin looking dull instead of fresh. So, to be clear, it’s still important to shower regularly. It ultimately comes down to lifestyle.
Dr. Guo adds while showering too often can strip your skin's natural oils and weaken its barrier—making issues like acne, rosacea, and dry skin worse—not showering enough can also aggravate body acne by letting sweat, oil, and dead skin build up. If you have oily skin, waiting too long between showers can also encourage the yeast that causes fungal acne and other skin conditions to grow, he says.
In other words, showering isn’t a competition. If you’re active, sweaty, or dirty, hop in. If you’re not, your skin might actually appreciate the occasional day off.
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There are many factors to consider. General advice may not fit your personal situation. But understanding how shower frequency can impact your skin, you can make the best decisions for your health and lifestyle. If you see any of the above signs, it might be time to consider switching up your routine.