Science’s latest discovery will have you rethinking your showering routine. Recent research has discovered that the normal human being showers too much. Buzzfeed spoke to two dermatologists, who shared that showering everyday is not needed:
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, how frequently we shower and what we perceive as body odor is “really more of a cultural phenomenon.” Boston dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch echoes this sentiment. “We overbathe in this country and that’s really important to realize,” she says. “A lot of the reason we do it is because of societal norms.”
It seems almost laughable that our repulsion of body odor was created by a cultural idea. Most people would agree that culture has it right. No one wants to smell your strange odors.
Both of the skin doctors agreed that showering everyday is actually harmful for your skin. The water dries out your skin, especially hot water. It can also wash away the good bacteria your body needs to thrive. It can even produce small cracks in your skin that can introduce infection into your body.
They go on to say that depending on your physical activity, climate and other factors, it is best to shower about two to three days apart. It is also smart to not bathe babies and toddlers everyday, as the necessary bacteria can help keep allergies from forming.
This news doesn’t mean you have an excuse to be a smelly mess. Doctors say you should still clean the “grossest” parts of your body everyday, such as your face, armpits, genitals and buttocks. Also, more important advice: change your undergarments everyday.
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