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Health

Not showering every day?

(113 Posts)
tanith Mon 24-Jun-24 16:16:43

I’ve showered every day sometimes twice on a hot day for as long as I can remember. I’m 75 and the skin on my arms and legs especially is so dry despite moisturising it’s flakey. I’m wondering if perhaps showering less often or not washing my limbs with soap just water might help alleviate the dryness.
Trouble is I know I’m going to feel grubby not showering.
Any thoughts?

MissInterpreted Mon 24-Jun-24 16:20:51

Washing too often could be exacerbating the dryness, yes. Could you not just freshen up in between showers, maybe?

LucyAnna2 Mon 24-Jun-24 16:21:57

I guess you already use a moisturising shower gel? This one is good - (other brands available) -

Rosie51 Mon 24-Jun-24 16:22:01

I have the same tanith. Now that the weather is so much warmer I've reduced the temperature of the water and am making it a very quick shower with a soapless shower gel. I think I can feel an improvement even if it's not visually obvious yet. If I want a second one later in the day, I'm just using tepid water, no soap or shower gel.

Whitewavemark2 Mon 24-Jun-24 16:22:23

Maybe cooler water and a hydrating soap of some sort. I use oils on my body after every shower as well.

AGAA4 Mon 24-Jun-24 16:22:58

I have dry flaky skin too on my legs. I don't use soap on them now. I use a good thick emollient after showering and then again at the other end of the day.

Georgesgran Mon 24-Jun-24 16:26:12

Another with dry, flakey skin on legs. I’m using stuff from the new Dove range, but I often use additional moisturizer on my legs during the day, when I’m sitting on the loo!

silverlining48 Mon 24-Jun-24 16:27:36

Given we used to have a bath just once a week I am sure showering every day is a choice, not a necessity ( unless it’s been very hot). Try cutting down and use just water, see what you think. I only use soap on my hands never my face. I don’t use deodorant either and I don’t smell or feel grubby.
Or at least no one has said anything to the contrary and I know they woukd….wink

hollysteers Mon 24-Jun-24 16:28:05

I don’t shower every day and grew up with the tin bath once a week in front of the fire. In between showers I’m very ‘French’, bits and pieces. Apparently France sells less soap than any other country 😁
Maybe you could lessen your showering too.

tanith Mon 24-Jun-24 16:38:16

I think I’m going to try lowering the temperature and only use shower gel on the necessary ‘bits’ let the water wash over me see if it improves. It really is bad on my legs and shaving them doesn’t help of course. Oh to be a man and not bother, on second thoughts ! I’d rather shave them than risk that🤪

NfkDumpling Mon 24-Jun-24 16:41:29

I was told by a demonologist friend many years ago that showering or bathing daily takes all the natural oils from the skin. So I don't! Yes, I do wash the essential bits, but most of my skin only gets a shower a couple of times a week and I enjoy a soak in a hot bath once a week. I don't use body lotions. I asked my DC if I stank, and apparently not! Even after three days although my hair is getting desperate by then.

I've also found that going back to proper bar soap and avoiding liquid soap has stopped my hands drying up and the ends of my fingers cracking. Saving a fortune in moisturising hand creams!

I do think ours skin produces less natural oils as we age so I foresee that I will need a good moisturiser of some sort soon. I'd like a lotion which brings back the elasticity in my skin so it fits my body again!

BlueBelle Mon 24-Jun-24 16:43:33

I couldn’t not shower everyday even if my skin falls off
Mind you I only use a bar of soap no fancy gels etc don’t see the point ! Water and a bit of soap I wash my hair in the shower and clean my teeth each day all done in ten minutes

petra Mon 24-Jun-24 16:54:34

Your skin is telling you something. Dry/ flaky skin lets in bad bacteria and allergens. Plus the fact that it’s not necessary and a terrible waste of water, a very precious commodity.

Ziggy62 Mon 24-Jun-24 17:07:04

I use baby shower/bath products which help but don't shower every day but do wash "important bits "

Charleygirl5 Mon 24-Jun-24 17:10:11

I always use liquid soap when I shower. I would not feel clean if I only used water. My legs become extra dry so I slather them with oodles of cream. Occasionally I skip a shower if my lower legs are extra dry. This is caused mainly by lymphoedema.

annsixty Mon 24-Jun-24 17:13:01

I hope that demonologist wasn’t too scary NfkD
😯😳

silverlining48 Mon 24-Jun-24 17:25:04

grin

tanith Mon 24-Jun-24 17:31:47

Thanks for lots of ideas we shall see if they improve.

CanadianGran Mon 24-Jun-24 17:49:07

Another thing, try eating more healthy oils in your diet. I started taking 1 tbs flaxseed oil in the morning for the health benefits, and have noticed my normally flaky legs are much smoother!

crazyH Mon 24-Jun-24 17:51:27

I too have a hot shower every day. I use Dove moisturising soap. I lightly towel dry, and while my skin is still damp, I slap moisturiser all over. I’m in my 70s and have a fairly nice skin.

NfkDumpling Mon 24-Jun-24 17:57:45

annsixty

I hope that demonologist wasn’t too scary NfkD
😯😳

She was a friend. But yes, still could be quite scary, and what she said made sense. (It usually did) Definitely a person to have on your side!

Vintagewhine Mon 24-Jun-24 17:59:10

Try Aveeno body wash, not expensive and I find it really helps to keep my skin from becoming too dry.

gigi1958 Mon 24-Jun-24 18:00:14

A dermatlogist told me showering/bathing every day is terrible for your skin, however I almost always shower every day unless I'm sick or something. The bigger issue is what we shower with, my Gynecologist told me to be VERY careful how I clean my "bits" most shower gels/soaps are too harsh. I had a terrible allergic reaction that lasted nearly a year. Now I use only a all natural cleanser from the Good Clean Love company and it does not cause any irritation,

Callistemon213 Mon 24-Jun-24 18:00:39

Vintagewhine

Try Aveeno body wash, not expensive and I find it really helps to keep my skin from becoming too dry.

Followed by Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion.

LucyAnna2 Mon 24-Jun-24 18:08:19

NfkDumpling

annsixty

I hope that demonologist wasn’t too scary NfkD
😯😳

She was a friend. But yes, still could be quite scary, and what she said made sense. (It usually did) Definitely a person to have on your side!

I think annsixty meant that you’d described her as a demonologist grin