Showering is a personal hygiene habit that most people do regularly, but there’s no universal rule for how frequently you need to shower. The ideal shower frequency can vary from person to person based on factors like your activity level, job, and body chemistry.
In this blog post guide, we’ll explore expert recommendations and research on determining the optimal shower schedule for your needs.
The Average American’s Shower Habits
According to a 2021 survey by Unilever, the maker of personal care brands like Dove, the average American showers 6.8 times per week. However, shower frequency varies across different demographic groups:
- Men shower an average of 6.5 times per week
- Women shower an average of 7.1 times per week
- Millennials shower the most at 7.6 times per week
- Baby Boomers shower the least at 5.7 times per week
So most Americans shower around once per day on average, but over a quarter shower less often than that.
Potential Benefits of Showering Daily
There are several reasons why dermatologists and other experts often recommend showering once per day:
- Sweat and Oil Removal: Our bodies produce oils and sweat throughout the day, which can clog pores and cause body odor if not washed off regularly. Daily showering rids the skin of this buildup.
- Bacteria Elimination: Showering rinses away potentially harmful bacteria that accumulate on the skin, reducing infection risks. A 2012 study found that not bathing for just a few days leads to overgrowth of certain microbial species.
- Better Skin Health: By washing away dead skin cells, excess oils, pollutants, and bacteria, daily showers allow the body to regenerate new skin cells more efficiently. This can improve skin texture and appearance.
Potential Downsides of Showering Too Often
On the other hand, some experts argue that showering daily or multiple times per day can strip away too many of the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its protective barriers, leading to dryness, irritation, and other skin issues. Reasons to avoid over-showering include:
- Disrupts the Skin Microbiome: Our skin hosts millions of microorganisms, many of which are beneficial and help defend against pathogens. Frequent showering with harsh soaps can deplete the diversity of this microbiome.
- Wastes Water/Energy: The average shower uses about 17 gallons of water and requires energy to heat the water. Over-showering places unnecessary demands on water/energy resources.
- Strips Natural Oils: Sebum is the skin’s natural oil that keeps it lubricated and prevents dryness/irritation. Excessive washing can wash away too much sebum, leading to poor skin barrier function.
Finding Your Ideal Shower Frequency
Most dermatologists recommend showering once per day, or every other day if you have very dry skin or a skin condition like eczema. However, you may need to shower more or less frequently based on:
- Activity level
- Job/environment (e.g. getting dirtier)
- Skin type
- Time of year (sweatier in summer)
The best approach is to pay attention to how your skin looks and feels. If it’s becoming dry, flaky, or irritated, you may be over-showering. But if you notice body odor