Is showering every day bad for your skin?

[Ashe]

All,

Maybe this has been widely discussed before (if it was, please tell me gently and close this thread) but I was wondering whether taking a shower every day is bad for your skin?

Each day I tend to take a shower after I get up before I go to work because I just love the fresh feeling I have when I wash my body completely. I don't use any of the syntetic products: I solely use Marseille soap (palmoil based) which gives me an extraordinary feeling of softness and the scent is just wonderful too. I have a rather dry and sensitive skin and I've been reading that in that case Marseille soaps are about the best you can use.

I don't know whether my shampoo is good enough but I love the scent and my 3mm hairs feel very nice afterwards. I use the Herbal Essence shampoos and I love them.

Anyway, I was just wondering whether any of you know if showering and completely washing your body on a daily basis is bad for your skin? I would think it is with syntetical products but if you use 100% natural ingredients, I take it there are less problems?

Then also another question: what's the best; showering after you get up in the morning or showering before you go to bed? I love both, the fresh feeling indicating the start of a new day or the fresh feeling when you go to bed. I've been reading that specialists tend to prefer showering in the evenings to wash away all the dirt which is accumulated on your body during a busy working day and that during the night (when you sleep) this is much less of a problem since it happens much less.

Anyway, two questions which most likely won't get unified answers but I would highly appreciate it if those who have any knowledge/experience with this, share it.

Thank you in advance!

[kozulich]

According to this report, there is some indication that it is not all that healthy to shower daily.
http://www.health24.com/news/Bacterial_diseases/1-894,35215.asp
in this study those who showered daily were compared to those who showered weekly.
There are other reports that claim that showering daily causes your body to take in too much manganese and chlorine. Those reports sound a bit alarmist to me, but that's just my opinion.

Kozulich

[Ashe]

Thanks for that link. I can't see myself feeling good when I can only wash myself once or twice a week. :001_smile.

[ada8356]

Thanks for that link. I can't see myself feeling good when I can only wash myself once or twice a week. :001_smile.

It's probably not healthy for your friends and co-workers for you to only shower once or twice a week!!:lol:

[Ashe]

It's probably not healthy for your friends and co-workers for you to only shower once or twice a week!!:lol:My thought exactly as well! It's rather okay if you're an outside worker but if you work behind desks in offices etc, it tends to get smelly which I would really hate. :biggrin:

I've been told that daily showering etc is bad for the health of the skin by several people already. I think the study showed the results of people not washing them completely for several days. I take it that if you wash the usual "sweaty" spots on a daily basis etc it's not really bad for my skinhealth?

Anyway, I could live with a shower every 2 days (although I strongly prefer a daily shower) but no way I'll take a shower only once a week. I mean, come on! :huh:

[fuerein]

I kinda wonder about one of the researchers' arguements (granted it is anecdotal in nature)


“This obsession with cleanliness is a modern phenomenon,” according to Dr I. U. Ponghe, the lead researcher and director of the Institute of Bacteriological Preservation from the University of St. Ingk on the outskirts of Mexico City. “Think of how all other creatures on earth live. A daily shower is not part of their routine.”

I'll grant that animals don't take a shower everyday. I mean how many have an opposable thumb and thus ability to use the control knobs. However, most animals do have some daily cleaning/grooming that they undergo. For those people with cats/dogs, is there a day that goes by when it does not do the wonderful lick bath (I think I'll pass on that kind of bathing thank you!). Even animals in the wild, many animals do rinse themselves someway (wading into a pool or something similar) on a regular basis, probably far more than once a week.

[Ashe]

I had the exact same thought when I read the article. I also wonder why they bring up the "being single" aspect in the study.

[fuerein]

Here is another for you, though it only applies to those of us in the US. The people in EU alledgedly have nothing to worry about.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=354546&in_page_id=1774

[crispy]

They had something about this on Digg a while back about how showering every day and being "too clean" is bad for the immune system. I'm not English, but is it OK for me to say that I think that is bollocks? :tongue_sm

[crackstar]

me, I have to take a shower (and a shave!) each and EVERY day!

Jeff

[letterk]

I know not showering every day is hazardous to every one else.

[kozulich]

I don't know. I realize that in our culture, bathing or showering daily is compulsory for all intents and purposes, but realistically speaking, in our air conditioned environments (home and car), unless a person is working outdoors or at physical labor indoors, I find it hard to believe that anyone would have a noticeable odor problem if they showered only every second day. I realize also that this is not something one could determine on one's own very easily. Still, it would be interesting to see some research on this. The other interesting research would be to see if daily washing of "problem areas" only would be enough to alleviate the odor concerns. I know this was widely practiced in the days before showers were ubiquitous, and I've lived in cultures where such practices continue today. I can't say that I was overcome with foul odors emanating from my fellow citizens. I've also lived in cultures where the monthly bath was taken whether needed or not. In those places, personal odor was an unavoidable reality, but surprisingly one can get used even to that, to the point that "normal" odors don't get noticed anymore, only truly objectionable odors stand out. At any rate, I'm not an enviro-fanatic (far from it), but showering daily is not very "green".

Orest

[rafikz]

True ; since i've installed air conditioner at home, I don't feel dirty when I wake up

About the 1st study... those so called docs don't do much thinking : of course animals don't take showers

[kozulich]

True ; since i've installed air conditioner at home, I don't feel dirty when I wake up

And you did before?

Koz

[rafikz]

And you did before?

Koz


Of course, with the high humidity and the hot girls, I did

[EL Alamein]

Personally, I shower every day. I don't believe it's unhealthy to do so. I don't believe it hurts the environment if I do so. It's a fact of American life that we like to be clean and that's commendable. It makes everyone's life more pleasant and enjoyable. It makes us feel good to be clean.

I think you'll do great if you continue to shower each day. Don't believe everything you read. Just my 2¢.

Chris

[kozulich]

Of course, with the high humidity and the hot girls, I did

Say no more. But actually, the air conditioner would only solve one of those problems.....

Orest

[kozulich]

Personally, I shower every day. I don't believe it's unhealthy to do so. I don't believe it hurts the environment if I do so. It's a fact of American life that we like to be clean and that's commendable. It makes everyone's life more pleasant and enjoyable. It makes us feel good to be clean.

I think you'll do great if you continue to shower each day. Don't believe everything you read. Just my 2¢.

If you'll allow me to continue in my role as "devil's advocate"....

Of course everyone's experience may differ, but if Americans are so clean, and cleanliness makes life more enjoyable, wouldn't it follow that Americans enjoy life the most? I'm not sure that is true. Other nations have a greater reputation for life enjoyment, and this is confirmed by international surveys.

Then look at the Japanese. Genetically, the Japanese people have less body odor than the average American, which means they produce fewer offensive odors. Yet, one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Again, the link between body odor and life enjoyment is shaky.

The prime ingredient in life enjoyment seems to be personal relationships, so if you're clean enough to maintain close personal relationships, you're clean enough aren't you? Is that 1 shower per day or 3 showers per day or 2 showers a week? I think it depends on how much odor your body produces. Its not going to be once a day for everybody.

On the other hand, the current theory is that the steep rise in rates of asthma and allergies is closely linked to hyper-cleanliness in childhood environments. This theory seems to be borne out in study after study.

I'm not saying give up your daily shower. I'm just saying that cleanliness doesn't automatically produce health or happiness.

Orest

[rafikz]

Say no more. But actually, the air conditioner would only solve one of those problems.....

Orest

Not true ; my place is so cold now, nobody wants to hang out with me:frown:

[Harkonnendog]

Cripes. Everybody I know showers at least twice a day. Maybe it is a Hawaii thing... because it is hot and humid here. The idea of not shaving at least once every day- :prrr:

[BGog]

Sorry Kozulich, it looks like the article you posted was an april fools joke.


Forty-seven percent of the participants in the first group were single at the start of the study. Two months later this percentage had increased to 84 percent.

It's unlikely that 33% of people got a divorce because of doing this for 3 months.


(Health24, April 1, 2006)
And of course it was actually posted on april fools day.

[fuerein]

Cripes. Everybody I know showers at least twice a day. Maybe it is a Hawaii thing... because it is hot and humid here. The idea of not shaving at least once every day- :prrr:

I frequently shower twice a day too. I practically have to shower in the morning to get my curly hair wet enough to be able to do anything with. Then, especially in the summer, it is nice to take a shower just prior to bed. Of course you end the shower with just cold water so you can go to bed nice and cool.

[GentsLLC Shaving-Skincare]

Sweat is essentially electrolytes and water which can basically be removed with water. In general, the idea would be to try not to take very hot showers as the heat is very dehydrating to the skin. Also, using soap daily is very stripping to the protective oils on the skin. The time factor is impt too. Lingering for an extended period of time would not be advised. This is from a "healthy skin" standpoint. We have been conditioned greatly by marketing as to more being better-more suds, more foam, more cleaning- it's not good for maintaining the integrity of the skin. If you must shower everyday, get in, rinse off and get out :)

[TraderJoe]

Sweat is essentially electrolytes and water which can basically be removed with water. In general, the idea would be to try not to take very hot showers as the heat is very dehydrating to the skin. Also, using soap daily is very stripping to the protective oils on the skin. The time factor is impt too. Lingering for an extended period of time would not be advised. This is from a "healthy skin" standpoint. We have been conditioned greatly by marketing as to more being better-more suds, more foam, more cleaning- it's not good for maintaining the integrity of the skin. If you must shower everyday, get in, rinse off and get out :)

Intresting. Does this apply to washing hair as well? If one uses hairgel, can the hair just be rinsed with water in the morning after wearing gel...then the gel re-applied? I would imagine there will be some buildup if the gel isn't washed out.

The obvious answer is to not use gel at all, but, I am curious to hear what your thoughts are.

Thank You.

[JMT]

the link between body odor and life enjoyment is shaky.

Orest


Not for me, I can tell you that I enjoy life alot more when the people around me do not stink.:biggrin:

[TAsunder]

I have heard the "stripping oils" argument before and I find it to be rubbish. There is some implied assumption that my skin would be healthy if I just left it alone, which is patently false in my case. I have several problem areas on my body where either the skin gets too oily or too dry. If I do not wash the excess oil off the former or use a moisturizing wash on the latter, my skin is in significantly worse shape.

If shower every other day for a week, my skin is totally messed up by then. Acne breakouts being the primary symptom.

Some people like to counter with the, "that's because your skin is accomodating your habits" routine which is generally rubbish too. My skin is not THAT intelligent, sorry. It might react negatively to excess chemicals in soaps, shampoos, etc. but it's not so smart that it changes its ways for high quality mild cleansers.

There is probably some truth to the immune system argument. Similar studies have shown that being too clean or too isolated can make immune systems less robust. I think that is more for younger people, children especially, though. By the time you are an adult, I think it is probably too late to start changing your habits in that regard.

[kozulich]

I have heard the "stripping oils" argument before and I find it to be rubbish. There is some implied assumption that my skin would be healthy if I just left it alone, which is patently false in my case. I have several problem areas on my body where either the skin gets too oily or too dry. If I do not wash the excess oil off the former or use a moisturizing wash on the latter, my skin is in significantly worse shape.

If shower every other day for a week, my skin is totally messed up by then. Acne breakouts being the primary symptom.


On the other hand, my son suffers from severe eczema, and if he showers or bathes daily he breaks out in a festering rash, even if he uses mild soaps. He can't use any soap with fragrance or color, and even hypo-allergenic soaps have to be used sparingly.

I guess it goes to show that we are not all the same and one size does not fit all.

kozulich

[GentsLLC Shaving-Skincare]

Joe, I would think you should be able to rinse it out w/o a problem and then reapply. Gel is fine. Just try to get a product w/o alcohol for sure.

[GentsLLC Shaving-Skincare]

Kozulich - It would be a good idea to do a sponge bath for your son so that he is not lingering. A soak in an oatmeal bath is very good. If you want to PM me with an email address, I would be happy to forward my eczema checklist.

[TraderJoe]

Joe, I would think you should be able to rinse it out w/o a problem and then reapply. Gel is fine. Just try to get a product w/o alcohol for sure.

Thank you!

[Ashe]

Nicole,

Most likely this has been said already in other threads but I'm gonna say it again: thank you for the professional knowledge you bring into this forum. It truly is very interesting reading your posts!

[Shane]

Milk, Carbs, Cell Phones and now Daily Showering?

If showering is bad for you, man, what's good for you??

Shane

[J_P_K]

The daily shower is overrated! There are lots of factors involved, including your job the climate in which you live and just how much body odor you produce. I shower every other day. On the days I don't shower I take a very through "sponge bath". I have an active social life and am often complimented for "smelling clean". I don't use any cologne and use an unscented deodorant so what they smell is good old fashioned soap. Kirks in the shower and wash basin and whatever I choose to shave with that day. (Honeybees sandalwood of late.) I don't know how many gallons of hot water the average shower sends down the drain but I'm using half of what I used when I showered daily. I use a "Euro Style" waffle bath towel that I allow to dry on the rack between uses. I use it twice before laundering.

Holy CRAP.... I'm a freaking environmentalist!:biggrin:

[TraderJoe]

The daily shower is overrated! There are lots of factors involved, including your job the climate in which you live and just how much body odor you produce. I shower every other day. On the days I don't shower I take a very through "sponge bath". I have an active social life and am often complimented for "smelling clean". I don't use any cologne and use an unscented deodorant so what they smell is good old fashioned soap. Kirks in the shower and wash basin and whatever I choose to shave with that day. (Honeybees sandalwood of late.) I don't know how many gallons of hot water the average shower sends down the drain but I'm using half of what I used when I showered daily. I use a "Euro Style" waffle bath towel that I allow to dry on the rack between uses. I use it twice before laundering.

Holy CRAP.... I'm a freaking environmentalist!:biggrin:

Interesting, how exactly does a "sponge bath" go, and is this what you use the waffle bath towel for? Pardon me if this sounds dumb, but this is all new to me.

Also, are you referring to the Kirk's castile bar?

[J_P_K]

Interesting, how exactly does a "sponge bath" go, and is this what you use the waffle bath towel for? Pardon me if this sounds dumb, but this is all new to me.

Also, are you referring to the Kirk's castile bar?

Yep, I use Kirk's castile.. :smile:

I simply fill the sink with a nice warm soapy solution and use a wash cloth to wash my chubby little body. Extra attention to arm pits and private areas is recommended! Refill the sink with water and "rinse" sensitive areas with clear water. (Don't leave soap residue in your arm pits! (OUCH!)
One more fresh partial fill with hot water for your shave and your done.

[TraderJoe]

Yep, I use Kirk's castile.. :smile:

I simply fill the sink with a nice warm soapy solution and use a wash cloth to wash my chubby little body. Extra attention to arm pits and private areas is recommended! Refill the sink with water and "rinse" sensitive areas with clear water. (Don't leave soap residue in your arm pits! (OUCH!)
One more fresh partial fill with hot water for your shave and your done.

Does water splash all over the place?

[J_P_K]

Does water splash all over the place?
Not for me... YMMV :smile:

[TAsunder]

How is a sponge bath any different than a shower?

[J_P_K]

How is a sponge bath any different than a shower?
Except for the fact that you save about 20 gallons of hot water... not much.

[dustind]

The daily shower is overrated! There are lots of factors involved, including your job the climate in which you live and just how much body odor you produce. I shower every other day. On the days I don't shower I take a very through "sponge bath". I have an active social life and am often complimented for "smelling clean". I don't use any cologne and use an unscented deodorant so what they smell is good old fashioned soap. Kirks in the shower and wash basin and whatever I choose to shave with that day. (Honeybees sandalwood of late.) I don't know how many gallons of hot water the average shower sends down the drain but I'm using half of what I used when I showered daily. I use a "Euro Style" waffle bath towel that I allow to dry on the rack between uses. I use it twice before laundering.

Holy CRAP.... I'm a freaking environmentalist!:biggrin:


No. Your a Washingtonion.... like my wife.

Some of us have to shower everyday, sometimes twice. I shower every morning before my morning shave as part of my dialy routine. Only skip weekend mornings. If I'm working in my backyard afterwork (masive landscape project) then I shower again at night. Don't want to be stinky before I crawl into bed with the Mrs. Only problem I have and I was going to put a post up about this on the forum, was dry skin. But then I had that without the shower already.