So how often should you be showering?

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In this world, there are two types of showerers. There are the get-in-there-and-get-it done types who hop in the tub with the mere purpose of cleaning their bodies. Then there are the folks who like to turn their showers into a full-on experience complete with fresh eucalyptus, essential oil-infused body wash and delicious-smelling body scrubs (guilty!). You get the picture.

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If you fall into the latter category, then you know showers can be pretty time consuming and sometimes, let’s face it, you just can’t be bothered. You’ve got important things to do! People to see! Which begs the question: How often should you actually be showering? Here, we asked Beverly Hills dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, MD, FAAD all of the most pressing shower-related questions.
So how often should you be showering?

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The short answer: It depends on your lifestyle. “If you’re very physically active or work in an environment where you’re exposed to chemicals, dirt, or dust, showering daily or twice daily may be ideal to keep skin clean,” says Dr. Herrmann. “For the average person, once daily usually suffices.”

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The news-breaking caveat here is that you don’t actually need to use soap all over your body every single day.

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As for loofahs, or any other cleansing sponges, Dr. Herrmann isn’t a fan. “They tend to be not only too harsh on the skin, but they hold a tremendous amount of bacteria because they don’t completely dry out between showers.”

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One thing to keep in mind if you happen to skip one too many showers, besides odor, is that thick, yellowish patches can start to form on your skin. “On the body this may lead to rough patches and on areas with higher levels of oil glands like the scalp, face, and chest, this may allow yeast to overpopulate the skin in a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, leading to patches of itchy reddish flaking,” Dr. Herrmann says.

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