How Often Should You Shower?



Our Skin: Hygiene vs. Cleanliness, and the Health Halo of Personal Care Products

Our skin is our largest organ, covering a surface area of approximately 15 to 20 square feet and playing a crucial role in defending our bodies. Despite its importance, many of us spend a significant amount of time and money on personal care products, hoping to keep our skin clean and healthy. However, a leading expert in preventive medicine and public health, Dr. James Hamblin, argues that this obsession with hygiene may be having unintended consequences.

In his 2020 book “Clean, The New Science of Skin,” Hamblin documents his personal experiment of living without showering for five years. During this time, he explored the history of cleanliness and hygiene, delving into the science behind what we think is necessary for good health. His findings suggest that our obsession with hygiene may be disrupting the balance of our skin microbiome, leading to problems such as eczema and acne.

According to Hamblin, our skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in our overall health. Washing our skin excessively can disrupt this balance, stripping it of its natural oils and causing irritation. He argues that we need to rethink our approach to personal hygiene, focusing more on cleanliness rather than hygiene.

Hygiene is essential for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, but cleanliness is a more personal and ritualistic concept. While some people may feel the need to shower daily, others may be content with rinsing off or using only a small amount of soap. Hamblin believes that what we choose to do is up to personal preference, and we should focus on what works best for us individually.

The marketing industry has perpetuated the notion that certain products are necessary for good health, but Hamblin is skeptical. He suggests that many of these products make exaggerated claims about their ability to prevent disease and promote health, and that our obsession with cleanliness may be based on these unproven assertions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has set back interest in the skin microbiome, with people focusing on eradicating germs rather than promoting a balanced ecosystem. However, Hamblin believes that we are beginning to ease our way back to a more holistic approach to personal care, embracing the idea that healthy microbes can be beneficial to our skin and overall health.

Ultimately, what we choose to do with our skin is up to us, and Hamblin encourages individuals to think carefully about their personal care routine, focusing on what works best for their skin rather than following unwarranted health claims.

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