Contents
There is more truth to the saying “washing frequently shortens your life” than you think. Here are some arguments for taking a shower … less often!
- Healthy skin has a layer of dead cells on its surface, sebum and microorganisms that are in the right balance
- Frequent body washing destroys the natural protective layer of the skin, which can have many unpleasant consequences
- The more often we take a bath, the less time the skin has to regenerate
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The following article was written as part of the #zeroemisyjni campaign, which aims to educate and motivate to actions to reduce CO2 emissions and stop global warming. From May 2021, all Ringier Axel Springer Polska brands have a zero carbon footprint. We must act together. The planet cannot wait.
www.zeroemisyjni.ringieraxelspringer.pl
How is it with this shower?
Who didn’t take a bath yesterday? Hand up!
Why are you laughing? From the question itself, because it is known that “every decent person is washed every day”? Or maybe because somehow it happened that you didn’t make it to the shower yesterday and are a bit stupid about it?
Regardless of which group you belong to, let me tell you that there is more truth to the saying “washing frequently shortens your life” than you think.
I know, that might sound controversial.
Why are you taking a shower or a bath? Is it always because you feel dirty? How many times do you go to the bath or shower solely for duty, habit or pleasure?
While the latter seems justified from time to time, duty or habit in the face of science and economics are not so obvious.
Let us understand each other well. I do not urge you to follow in the footsteps of St. Agnes, who reportedly never washed herself, or St. Olympia, who only took a bath when she was forced to do so by an illness. I will also not preach, like St. Jerome that the one who was poured with holy water during baptism does not have to bathe a second time. However, I will reach for scientific research that sheds some light on such a mundane activity as a daily shower.
Healthy skin does not like washing?
On the surface of a typical, healthy skin there is a layer of dead cells, sebum, and well-balanced microorganisms, including “good” bacteria. What Happens When You Take a Bath? Washing and scrubbing your skin, especially when you use detergents and hot water, removes them. And that’s not good news.
Why? Your skin may become dry, itchy, red and irritated. And this one does not fulfill its protective function properly. Dry skin cracks, which can contribute to penetration of unwanted bacteria, and is also more sensitive to allergens. Effect? The formation of allergic reactions, unpleasant infections and inflammation.
The dirt itself is also valuable to our body, as it, together with microorganisms, stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and build “immune memory”. Frequent washing, leading to disruption of the skin ecosystem, can negatively affect the immune system. Researchers at the Genetic Science Center at the University of Utah say that the digestive system and even the heart can also suffer from it.
Anyway, it is precisely because the immune system’s ability to do its job is diminished that some pediatricians and dermatologists advise against bathing children every day. For the care of the youngest skin, it is worth reaching for natural and mild cosmetics, such as Miś – natural soap with lanolin for children from the first day of life. This soap is also available in a vegan version.
That’s not all. Too frequent baths also harm the hair. Dry, dull, dandruff-prone or oily – do you know this from the autopsy? It can also be the result of washing too often.
Less frequent shower? Three times yes!
The more often you take a bath, the less time your skin has to regenerate. The lower the chance of regeneration, the more damage it gets. And the more damage occurs, the greater the chance of problems.
Rescue? Start taking a shower … less often! Experts suggest that the healthiest solution is to bathe a few times a week and use soap in moderation. As dermatologist Casey Carlos of Washington University says, people don’t realize that the skin cleans itself well.
The health benefits of less frequent baths seem to be evident. But limiting bathing also has other advantages, such as: saving time and – of course – saving water, which will quickly translate into a richer wallet. What’s more, at a time when every drop of water is worth its weight in gold, you also make a significant contribution to saving the planet by limiting the number of baths.
What if you can’t imagine a day without a shower? Keep its length to a minimum (3-4 minutes) and focus on washing sensitive parts of the body, such as armpits, groin or feet.
Take the challenge and do it #ForPlanetyDlaHealth!
See also:
- Why does the body need water?
- The most common bacterial diseases
- Infective dermatitis – what is it?