(AscendHealthy.com) – One of the greatest feelings of the day is jumping into a hot, steamy shower and rinsing off the stress and dirt from the day. It’s something many of us do each day and is part of a normal hygiene routine. But does everyone shower each day? Should we? Read below to find out if you’re showering too much.
There’s a Built-in Ecosystem
Your largest organ, the skin, also does the most to protect much of the body. It keeps fluids, muscle, bones, and underlying tissue safe from outside harm. NPR reports that there is a delicate microbiome composed of an ecosystem of fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses that live on the skin.
While it may sound gross, as long as we are healthy, they take up enough room to keep other unhealthy microbes from taking up residence. This is why washing your body too frequently could be a bad thing.
Addicted to Bath Products
Many of us buy the latest scents and moisturizing concoctions to coat and soothe our skin. They smell amazing and advertise supreme health benefits to combat moisture issues, promising aid with glowing, healthy skin. Instead, they may dry skin and lead to irritation. And the more frequently we shower or bathe, the more likely these agents and the water are to strip our skin of its natural oils and minerals.
Not Good For Dry, Chapped Skin
For those of us who suffer from dry or chapped skin, redness and flaky skin might be the result of too much scrubbing and hot water. Hot water, in particular, can damage the keratin cells on the epidermis. Eventually, it prevents healthy skin cells from locking in moisture, resulting in tiny tears in the skin.
Healthline reports that most dermatologists recommend showering every other day or at least 2 to 3 times a week. Minimizing showers and baths when dry skin is present can help keep skin hydrated.
Don’t Ruin That Hairdo
In the never-ending quest for the perfect head of hair, many people are washing their hair less frequently. Showering and washing hair daily or twice a day might entice some because conditioners and shampoos can leave hair smelling like roses, candy, and flowers. While it’s wonderful to smell great, use caution — these products can strip the natural oils from the hair and dry it out quickly. Glamour recommends washing your hair every 2 to 3 days, depending on your hair type.
Shower frequency is a personal preference. Not showering daily may leave the skin greasy, and odor might be an issue without a sponge bath. Even though frequent soaks under the water nozzle may leave skin feeling clean and fresh immediately after, it might dry or irritate the skin in the long run. There is no right or wrong frequency. As long as the skin is healthy and we feel clean and presentable, the choice is ours to make.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension
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