Showering Too Often? Experts Warn Daily Showers May Harm Your Skin

While showering is fundamental for hygiene, experts are cautioning that excessive washing could be detrimental to skin health. The practice, essential for removing bacteria, dirt, and sweat, also plays a role in relaxation and stress reduction.

However, the key may lie in moderation. Dermo-aesthetic nurse Marta Díez highlighted a study from Harvard University that provides a reference for maintaining healthy skin. “Showering is necessary for hygiene, but doing it in excess is bad because it could cause adverse effects to the skin,” Díez noted.

The primary concern is the disruption of the skin’s natural barrier. Bathing strips away the essential oils and fats that protect the skin from external agents like sun rays and pollution. When this protective layer is compromised, it can lead to “dryness, cracks, and redness,” Díez explained.

This warning applies to groups who may shower frequently, such as teenagers and athletes, as well as to older individuals who might reduce their bathing frequency for other reasons.

To safeguard skin health, Díez recommends showering “between four and five times per week.”

Beyond frequency, other factors are also critical. The water should be “lukewarm and free of chlorine” for the benefit of both skin and hair. Additionally, the duration of a shower should not exceed 15 minutes.

This advice, shared in an audiovisual piece, has gained significant traction online, accumulating thousands of views in recent months.