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Life gets busy but armpits get stinky. It might make you wonder – am I showering too little? The answer largely depends, but the good news is that if you aren’t showering enough, your body will give you some obvious signs.
“If you’re not showering enough, you’ll have the obvious odor issues, but you’ll also notice a greasier feel to your skin and hair, and the skin becomes more prone to infection,” says Dr. Joel Spitz, co-founder, chief medical officer and board-certified dermatologist at Honeydew in Delray Beach, Florida.
Signs you are showering too little
Not showering frequently causes more than odor problems. Spitz says it can lead to skin infections too. “Bacteria can get into the pores, or hair follicles, and produce folliculitis. Fungus can settle into the skin folds and give you jock itch or athlete’s foot,” he says.
Your hair might tip you off if you are showering enough, especially if you have fine hair. Those with fine hair should wash their hair every other day, according to Cleveland Clinic. But those with curly hair might wash it much less frequently.
The best showering frequency
Spitz says the ideal showering frequency is every other day or every day. “More often can start to strip away the beneficial lipids, or oils, on your skin, dry out the top layer of skin and alter the healthy balance of our microbes that sit on our skin. This can lead to eczema flares and inflamed sensitive skin,” he says.
Some people have more specific showering needs. Older adults should shower less, given lower activity levels and a baseline of drier skin, he says. Similarly, patients with eczema should also shower less frequently and with tepid water to avoid worsening an already compromised skin barrier. “Acne may worsen if you are sweating a lot and not washing your skin which can lead to oil, bacteria and sweat clogging your pores worsening your acne and/or make you more prone to folliculitis,” he says.
Showering frequency can vary by generation. A 2024 poll by The Harris Poll found that, for example, Gen X is more likely to shower daily compared to Boomers. Overall, most adults should use warm, not hot, water and shower for five to 10 minutes daily or every other day.
Other factors that should impact your shower schedule
Different climates and different times of the year might call for more or less frequent showering. For example, those living in hot climates or experiencing a hot weather day might need an extra shower due to additional sweating, while those living in colder places might not need showers every day, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Other factors range from skin type to upcoming medical procedures, to activity level and daily plans. Showering less frequently might also be necessary in some places or situations to conserve resources, or a shower can be shortened.
Paying attention to your own body’s needs, and making time for a quick, warm shower can be not only essential for skin health and odor control, but good for relaxation.