What the expert says
So of course, I had to get the real info on whether you should or shouldn't be washing your legs in the shower. I spoke to dermatologist Dr. Michele Farber, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, about the issue and, well, it turns out it's not that big a deal — and actually, skipping the occasional scrub is better for you if you have sensitive skin.
"The reason you need to wash with soap is to clean excess dirt and oils from your skin. If your legs are not visibly dirty, it is fine to skip directly soaping them in the shower," says Farber. "Especially in patients with dry or sensitive skin, skipping the soap as consistently on legs can [help] prevent dryness," she says.
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Don't think this means you can skip washing your legs forever
Farber does point out, however, that if you do have open cuts or wounds on your legs they should be washed to avoid infection and if you lead an active lifestyle and/or sweat a lot, then you should be soaping up.
Image via Artem Varnitsin/EyeEm/Getty
