How often should you shower? There is no medical rule that fits everyone. In many countries a daily shower is the social norm, but skin does not need a full wash with soap every day to stay healthy. The right frequency depends on how much you sweat, where you live, what your skin is like and what makes you feel comfortable.
What a shower is for
- Removing sweat, dirt, oil and dead skin.
- Controlling body odor, which comes from bacteria breaking down sweat.
- Washing away allergens, such as pollen, and irritants.
- Comfort, and feeling fresh.
What too much washing does
Frequent, long or hot showers with a lot of soap remove the skin's protective oils and can upset the balance of harmless microbes that live on it. The result may be dry, itchy or cracked skin, and flares of eczema.
A practical guide
| Your situation | A reasonable frequency |
|---|---|
| Desk work, mild climate | Daily or every other day |
| Physical work, exercise or sport | Daily, and after each heavy sweat |
| Hot, humid climate | Daily, sometimes twice with a quick rinse |
| Cold, dry climate; dry skin | Every other day may be enough, with a daily wash of key areas |
| Dry skin or eczema | Short, lukewarm showers, daily or less often, as advised; moisturize each time |
| Older adults | Two or three times a week is often enough, with daily washing of key areas |
| Children | See below |
The areas that need daily attention
Even on days without a shower, wash these with a cloth, mild cleanser and water:
- Underarms.
- Groin and buttocks.
- Feet, including between the toes.
- Face.
- Hands, many times a day. Handwashing is what matters most for preventing infections.
Signs you may be showering too much
- Tight, flaky or itchy skin, especially on the shins and arms.
- Eczema that keeps flaring.
- Skin that stings when you apply lotion.
- Dry, brittle hair. Hair does not have to be washed at every shower. See How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?.
Signs you may not be washing enough
- Persistent body odor.
- Breakouts on the back, chest or buttocks after sweating.
- Itching, or rashes in skin folds.
- A build-up of dead skin or dirt.
- Fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
When you should definitely shower
- After exercise or heavy sweating. See Post-Workout Body Care: Showering and Moisturizing.
- After swimming in a pool or the sea.
- After contact with dirt, chemicals, or plants that irritate the skin.
- During pollen season, before bed, if you have hay fever.
- As instructed before or after medical procedures.
Children and teenagers
Young children who are not visibly dirty or sweaty do not need a bath every day. A bath a few times a week, with daily hand, face and diaper-area washing, is commonly advised. From puberty, when sweat and oil glands become active, a daily shower and deodorant are usually needed.
Make every shower kinder
If you prefer to shower every day, that is fine. Keep it skin-friendly:
- Warm water, not hot. See Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin.
- Five to ten minutes.
- Cleanser mainly on the odor-prone areas.
- Pat dry.
- Moisturize straight away. See Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care if your skin is dry.
Showering twice a day
A second shower can be reasonable after sport or in a hot climate. Make it a short rinse, use cleanser only where needed, and moisturize again.
Personal and medical factors
Skin conditions, mobility, caring responsibilities and personal or cultural practices all shape washing habits. If you have a skin condition, follow the advice of your doctor. If a relative finds washing difficult, an occupational therapist or nurse can suggest safe aids.
The step-by-step routine is in Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care.
Related on ArniSun
- Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care
- Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin
- Post-Workout Body Care: Showering and Moisturizing
- Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
- How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is it unhealthy not to shower every day?
No. For many people, showering every other day, with daily washing of underarms, groin, feet and face, keeps skin clean and healthy.
Is showering twice a day bad for skin?
It can dry the skin if showers are long, hot or soapy. Keep the second shower brief and moisturize afterwards.
How often should older adults shower?
Many do well with two or three showers a week and a daily wash of key areas, because older skin is drier and more fragile.