Our Skin: The Largest Organ and a Complex Ecosystem
Our skin is often considered our largest organ, covering a surface area of approximately 15 to 20 square feet. It is our body’s first line of defense, responsible for keeping the outside out and our insides in. Despite its importance, many of us spend a significant amount of time and money on personal care products, with the beauty and personal care products market in the US amounting to over $100 billion in 2024.
Dr. James Hamblin, a preventive medicine and public health doctor, has written extensively on the topic of skin health and hygiene. In his book “Clean: The New Science of Skin,” he explores the history of cleanliness and hygiene, as well as the impact of modern personal care products on our skin.
Hamblin’s own experiment with minimal showering for five years led him to question the necessity of daily showering. He notes that soap is a valuable tool for breaking up sticky, oily substances, but that the mechanical force of rubbing our hands together under water is often more effective than the soap itself.
The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in our overall health. An abundant and diverse microbial community lives on our skin, interacting with both our body’s internal world and the external world. Constantly washing away these microbes can create issues, disrupting the harmony between the oils and chemicals our skin secretes naturally and the skin microbiome.
Hamblin emphasizes the importance of hygiene, which is necessary for preventing the transmission of infectious disease. However, he also notes that cleansing is a more personal and ritualistic practice, and that daily showering is not necessary for our health.
Ultimately, the choice of how often to shower and what products to use is a personal preference. Hamblin suggests that people consider their own needs and preferences, rather than relying on marketing claims or societal expectations. He also notes that the pandemic has set back interest in the skin microbiome, but that there is a growing recognition of the importance of healthy microbes on our skin.
In the end, Hamblin’s message is one of balance and moderation. By understanding the science behind our skin and the importance of the skin microbiome, we can make informed choices about our personal care routines and prioritize our overall health and well-being.
