Actress America Ferrera recently started the discourse on how often you should wash yourself. The star took part in a game with colleagues, where they had to guess facts about each other. She admitted that her secret passion, which she is a bit embarrassed about, is the habit of not showering for days. This has caused a whole wave of discussion on social media. But is there any scientific explanation for how often you should shower?

IFL Science tried to get to the bottom of this question. They looked through the eyes of researchers from several angles.

How people shower in different countries

Harvard Medical School has previously studied what hygiene habits residents of different geographical regions have. It turned out that two-thirds of people take a shower in the United States every day. The share was even higher in Australia, totalling 80%. About half of those surveyed in China reported that they shower twice a week.

In general, the frequency of showering is influenced by different factors. For example, it is necessary to wash yourself after an intense workout or physical work in order not to bother others with your body odor. The need for hygienic procedures is also higher in summer than in winter.

What happens if you shower too often?

Excessive hygiene routines can be harmful to your skin and cause more irritation than you might expect. Each of us carries a large number of microorganisms that are important for keeping us healthy inside and outside of our bodies. Some studies show that shower abuse can disrupt this microbiome and harm the skin. Thus, dryness, irritation, itching and even inflammation can occur. The skin's protective barrier is compromised and bacteria and allergens begin to penetrate.

In addition, shower cosmetics like gels, shampoos and soaps together with bacteria wash too much grease from the skin away. This can have negative consequences in the long run.

Some pediatricians and dermatologists recommend not bathing children every day as children's immune system needs stimulation through contact with germs, dirt and other environmental factors. This allows it to develop what is known as "immune memory" and create the antibodies necessary for good health.

What if you shower too infrequently?

Not showering often enough leads to one very unpleasant consequence: the appearance of bad odor. But that's not all. Irregular hygiene procedures can cause yeast fungi in the sebaceous glands and the development of dandruff. Dead skin particles and other dirt also begin to clog the sebaceous glands, which causes pimples. Moreover, eczema can develop on dirty skin.

How many times a week should you shower?

Scientists do not have a definite answer. Some experts believe that you need to shower every day, others point to 3-4 water procedures per week as the optimal amount. In any case, the frequency is influenced by some external conditions like weather or a person's lifestyle.

Some researchers indicate that the daily shower should be a short procedure of no more than 3-4 minutes. During this time, you should pay special attention to the armpits and groin as this will help prevent the appearance of bad odor.

Experts urge you to choose body care cosmetics based on your skin type, give preference to non-aromatic means and do not neglect to moisturize the body after washing regardless of the frequency.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL shared the secret of attractiveness revealed by scientists.

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