15 September 2023 , 14:12
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While it is often thought that you should shower every day, a dermatologist has argued that this isn't the case. Even though most people might be disgusted at the thought of not showering regularly, getting soapy less often could be better for your skin.
Dr Mary Stevenson, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health in New York, USA, has claimed that how often you shower should depend on a number of personal factors. These factors include your skin, age, and activity level. "You should be showering, bathing, or cleansing yourself every two to three days," Dr Stevenson suggested.
However, if you're someone who goes to the gym every day and works up a sweat, then you need to hose yourself down after each workout. Appearing on Today, she said that how you wash your body is just as important as how often. "What people tend to do is soap up their entire body, which is really not necessary," she said. "You really only need soap in your armpits, your groin, and your feet. Places where you get stinky."
Now because soap is a detergent, it breaks down the top layer of oil on your skin, which protects your skin barrier and keeps cells hydrated. However, an excessive use of soap could entirely remove these oils, leaving you with irritated skin.
"Using those more gentle products while you're washing can be extremely helpful," Dr Stevenson recommended. "One kind of cheat sheet is to look at stuff for sensitive skin and for babies because usually, baby products are formulated for sensitive skin." She also cautioned against taking long, hot showers because they could damage your skin's natural oils and barrier. She added: "We like to say keep it to three minutes and keep it lukewarm."
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