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Health

Not showering every day?

(113 Posts)
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.

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

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!

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🤪

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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?