Environmentalists and medical experts claim that taking daily showers might not be as beneficial as it seems. Some believe that, based on their findings, it can do more harm than good.
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Environmental activist Donnachadh McCarthy only showers once a month and advocates for reduced water usage to preserve the environment. According to the New York Post, his approach was inspired by a visit to the Amazon, where he observed the bathing practices of the Yanomami people and stated that on days he doesn’t shower, he’ll wash at the sink with a cloth. Professor Kristen Gram-Hanssen of Aalborg University in Denmark claims daily showers weren’t a trend a century ago because most homes didn’t have modern shower facilities.
“If you go 100 years back, we didn’t shower every day because the shower was not a normal thing to have. We don’t shower because of health. We shower because it’s a normal thing to do,” she explained. Dermatologists warn that excessive showering can strip the skin microbiome, which protects the skin and affects overall health.
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However, dermatologist Joyce Park says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to hygiene, as people have different routines, health issues, and preferences. Other factors, such as skin type, activity level, hair type, and environmental exposure, also play a role in how frequently people shower. Those with skin conditions such as eczema might have to take shorter, less daily showers to avoid damaging their skin microbiome.
Social media users reacted to the latest revelation about showering frequently and shared their own thoughts: