How Often Do You Really Need to Shower?

Don’t overdo it. 2 showers per day is the maximum recommended for most people is. Keep showers on the shorter side and use lukewarm water instead of hot water.

It may seem like the cleaner you are, the better, but showering too frequently can be tough on your skin:

• Triggers flares of sensitive skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Alters the skin’s microbiome – the population of healthy bacteria, yeast and “good” microbes that are needed to prevent infections and control inflammation.
• Dries out hair shafts, making your hair more brittle and prone to breakage, frizz and split ends. Causes scalp dryness, itching or flaking, and in some cases, it can increase oiliness of the scalp and hair.

Tips for Microbiome Balance

• Avoid harsh cleansers. Stay away from anti-bacterial, high-alkaline and deodorant soaps, as well as soaps that contain sulfates or fragrances.
• Use gentle cleansers. Instead, look for cleansers labeled “fragrance free” or “for sensitive skin,” and check the ingredient label for ceramides, which can help lock in moisture.
• Focus on the dirty parts of the body. Use soap to wash your armpits and groin area (and any other part of you that may be dirty or sweaty), but use only water to rinse off the rest of your body.

Tips for Dry Skin

• Moisturize. Apply lotion immediately after drying off to help support your skin’s protective natural moisturizing barrier.
• Skip exfoliation. If you have eczema, psoriasis or another skin condition, avoid scrubs, loofahs, dry brushing or coarse washcloths, since they can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms.

Tips for Hair Health

• Don’t forget about your hair. Choose sulfate-free shampoos, pH-balanced shampoos and moisturizing/hydrating shampoos. Steer clear of clarifying shampoos and strong medicated shampoos (unless recommended by your doctor).