Do You Really Need to Bathe Every Single Day?
Our bodies do some pretty incredible things. But they can't do it all. "The body has multiple homeostatic mechanisms to maintain a healthy equilibrium," says Vanessa Coppola, FNP-BC, aesthetic specialist and owner of Bare Aesthetic. "But it can't cleanse itself. You do actually need to physically clean your body."
The goal is to remove dirt, oil, perspiration and dead skin cells without stripping away all of the body's natural oils. And without disrupting your skin's microbiome.
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How Often Should You Bathe?
The answer isn't cut and dry. "Showering and bathing are very individual and lifestyle specific," explains Coppola. Factors to consider include your body's natural oil production, skin sensitivity, genetic makeup, lifestyle and the climate you live in. Traditions and culture can also impact the decision.
"Water is a miracle substance and sustains our lives," says board certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica J. Krant, MPH. "But it is not necessary to waterlog our skin on a regular basis in order to stay healthy and clean." Krant tells her clients, particularly those prone to dryness, itchiness or eczema, to "bathe less often for less time" and use cleanser only on necessary areas.
Dr. Harold Lancer recommends showering every other day or at least two to three times a week. Sarah Akram, celebrity master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare, suggests showering once a day, but those with active lifestyles should be soaping up after physical activity.
Seasons also matter. "The same person who showers every day during a hot, humid summer may opt for once every two days during a cold, dry winter," explains Lancer. Those who live in hot climates will likely want to bathe or shower more frequently.
If you're exposed to strong chemicals, odors or dirt, you'll want to remove residue at the end of the day. Krant points out that "there is no real time we 'should' bathe more" unless we have a skin injury or infection. In these situations, you should ask for a doctor's advice.
On the other end of the spectrum, you shouldn't take multiple showers or baths daily. Cleansing too frequently can potentially strip your skin of essential oils. It may also rinse away good bacteria from your skin, putting you at risk for infections.
Your face is a different matter, though. "No matter your skin type, it is most important to wash your face at least every day," says Lancer.
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How Does Skin Type Impact Bathing?
Those with sensitive skin can still bathe daily, but Akram says that they should be mindful of how long and what products they use. Avoid any harsh skin care products, especially with fragrance or anything that can irritate and strip skin. Steer clear of alcohol and parabens. Colloidal oatmeal and honey are great ingredients for sensitive types, according to Coppola. Cool water is also better.
Coppola suggests body washes and soaps with moisturizing creams, lanolin and glycerin for dry skin types. These ingredients help maintain skin's microbiome and lock in moisture.
It's important to not dry out oily skin. Akram says those with oily skin want a body cleanser that can remove excess oil without stripping skin of its natural emollients.
For acne-prone skin, body washes and body gels that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are helpful for treating and cleansing skin.
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Is Showering Better Than Bathing?
Are you #TeamBath or #TeamShower? It's another big factor in the debate. "While baths can help people with skin conditions, they're not beneficial for everyone," points out Lancer. "In fact, a shower is actually better for your skin."
The reason? Showers expose the body to less water than a bath. Too much water from a bath or an extra long shower can strip skin of its natural oils. Which can lead to irritation or inflammation.
Another benefit of showering? In a bath, you are soaking in the same water that you are rinsing your bacteria in whereas a shower provides a constant flow of clean water to wash away any sweat and dead skin cells. Krant says that occasional baths are great for relaxation and stress relief. But soaking for a long time in water damages the skin barrier and well-balanced microbiome.
According to Krant, the golden rule is to really concentrate on using gentle, balanced cleansers and soaps. And to use them mostly only on your underarms, groin and feet. Mother Dirt AO+ Restorative Mist, $69, can be used on your body, face and scalp to fend off odor-causing bacteria and other factors.
It's also important to choose a balanced, gentle cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. "A general rule of thumb is the same ingredients that you use in your facial cleanser are also appropriate ingredients to use on your body," says Akram.
Try Lancer Skincare The Method: Body Cleanse, $45. It's a nonfoaming daily body wash formulated with marula oil, watermelon seed oil, salicylic acid and glycolic acid to provide moisture to skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing.
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