Save Your Skin, Save a Friend: The Startling Impact of Daily Showers
A Little Dirt Don’t Hurt
Earlier this year, I went over three weeks without showering.
I know what you’re thinking… I must’ve smelled like a can of shark shit. But, you’d be shocked to know that I didn’t smell bad as confirmed by several unrelenting sources.
My nephew reminded me daily of the study’s progress, “Uncle Frank, are you going to shower today? You still don’t stink yet, but you should probably shower anyways.”
I don’t have beef with showers, baths, or whatever else you do in the bathroom. Cleaning yourself is a lovely thing to do and it can feel amazing.
I am simply of the belief that, on average, people in the West shower too frequently, and many dermatologists would agree with me. With that said, they probably wouldn’t advise testing the “limits” as I did in my personal experiment.
Since reducing my shower frequency to 2–3 times per week, I have noticed that my skin feels more hydrated and requires less moisturizer. I can’t remember when my skin felt this good, which may be due to all of the football (funny, not funny). By giving your skin and hair a break from daily showering, you can also reap the benefits of our incredible body’s natural processes.
Skin Problems
The skin is your body’s largest organ. It is the connective layer to the broader world making it wildly important for health. We bathe to cleanse and care for it yet we could be causing more damage than we think.
Over-showering can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation, especially if you use hot water and harsh soaps that strip away the natural oils and good bacteria that protect our skin. In some cases, showering too often can even lead to skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, which cause redness, itching, and inflammation.
The “natural” remedy for that dryness is to apply moisturizer.
Who is the winner in the scenario where we shower more than our skin would like with foreign chemicals and then use copious amounts of moisturizer to correct the dryness?
You guessed it: every company that sells soaps, shower gels, body washes, lotions, body balms, etc.
Our skin, along with its microbiome, helps prevent dryness through sebum excretion, fights off pathogenic skin bacteria, and supports our immune health. To best do this work, we must bathe in a manner that is synergetic with these processes.
By reducing the frequency of your showers, you can help your skin retain its natural moisture and balance, leading to healthier and happier skin.
Hair Damage
Daily showers can also damage your hair by stripping away its natural oils, similar to the skin, and causing split ends, breakage, and dullness. This is especially true if you use hot water and harsh shampoos that contain sulfates and other harsh chemicals.
Trichologists, doctors who specialize in hair health as a subfield of dermatology, generally recommend washing your hair every two-three days to help it maintain its natural shine and texture. This will also give your scalp time to produce its natural oils, which can nourish and protect your hair.
If you have oily hair and need to freshen up between washes, consider using dry shampoo or natural remedies like apple cider vinegar to refresh your scalp. These products can help absorb excess oil and dirt without stripping your hair of its natural oils, but dry shampoo can come with its own issues.
By adopting these hair care habits, you can help prevent damage to your hair and promote healthy, luscious locks.
Environmental Impact
Showering daily not only uses a significant amount of water but also requires energy to heat the water, which has a significant environmental impact. By reducing the frequency of your showers, you can save water, our most precious friend.
For instance, taking a shower for just 5 minutes less every day can save up to 12.5 gallons of water per shower, which translates to over 4,500 gallons of water per year.
Moreover, you can switch to eco-friendly shower products, such as those made from natural and biodegradable ingredients, to reduce the number of harmful chemicals that go down the drain and into our waterways. To earn a gold star, see the bookmark below to learn about redirecting shower water to a greywater system that uses it to flush toilets or water a lawn.
You can also invest in a low-flow showerhead that reduces water consumption without compromising the shower experience.
Finally, taking shorter showers and turning off the water while you shampoo and lather can also help conserve water.
Find your balance
Showering is an important aspect of personal hygiene, but excessive showering can have adverse effects on our skin, hair, and planet. It’s essential to find the right balance that works for you and your body.
Consider factors like your occupation, climate, and skin type when deciding on the frequency and duration of your showers. You may need to shower more often if your work makes your body filthy or if you sweat a lot due to hot and humid weather. Alternatively, if you have sensitive skin or live in a dry climate, shorter and cooler showers or skipping a few days between washes can benefit your skin and hair.
Furthermore, using gentle and natural products can minimize the impact of showering on our skin and Mother. Make sure to listen to your body and adjust your showering routine accordingly. A little dirt on your skin can improve your immune health and reduce stress and the risks of allergies.
Remember, reducing the frequency of your showers and being mindful of the products you use can help you and the planet stay healthy and happy. Lastly, skipping a shower doesn’t mean neglecting personal hygiene. You can still refresh your private areas with a washcloth or wet wipes.
By finding your balance, you can enjoy a happy and healthy shower routine that benefits you and Mother 🪸
