How often do you shower? Every day? Every other day?

Before the mid-19th century, bathing was not all that common among Americans. Now, it’s estimated that two-thirds of Americans shower daily. But should we?

Dr. Austin Williams, a primary care provider, explains that how often you shower—or don’t—can affect more than just how you smell.

The purpose of your skin

Your skin is more important than you might think.

Being the largest organ of the human body, your skin is key to keeping all of your insides inside of you. But that’s not all: it also hosts a diverse population of microbial organisms.

“The skin is a huge barrier as far as keeping out infections and keeping in moisture,” says Dr. Williams. “It’s what keeps out a lot of bacteria that would otherwise get in and cause severe infections.”

This complex organ and its balanced microbiome protect you from harmful organisms, and bathing too frequently can put you at risk for illness.

“There is a natural balance of normal skin bacteria, hydration, and oils that are supposed to be there that bathing too frequently or bathing in very, very hot water can actually disrupt.”

Practicing proper hygiene

Cleansing our skin has come a long way from just removing dirt; many soaps and cleansers now include extra ingredients to make you smell a certain way. And with all of these new options, which one should you choose?

Dr. Williams says, typically, any soap will do. “They’re basically all variations of the same thing, and it depends on how you want yourself to smell.”

As long as you practice proper hygiene, like washing your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs, it comes down to how you want to smell.

To shower or not?

So, how often should you shower?

While there’s no definite answer, Dr. Williams says, “It’s really a matter of how often you feel like you need to shower.”

What’s most important is ensuring your skin can do its important job of keeping you healthy. Be mindful of harming your skin’s microbiome through over-showering, and always practice proper hygiene.

If you have questions or are experiencing a problem with your skin, speak with your healthcare provider.