Busy parents know it can be hard to find the time to grab a shower. It’s hard enough to go the toilet without the kids calling you frantically or banging on the door, never mind leaving them long enough to get a shower.

 

Most of us have skipped a shower from time to time and relied on deodorant and dry shampoo to get us through the day.

 

While you might feel quite gross if you skip a shower, there’s actually a great reason for NOT taking a shower on a daily basis.

 

Yep, apparently, a daily shower with shampoo and soap can disrupt your microbiome. That’s the name for the collection of friendly bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that live on your body, FYI.

 

These microbes help your immune system to work properly and are essential for staying in overall good health.

 

 

One study has even found that showering too often can trigger acne outbreaks.

 

Although showering daily has been seen as good hygiene in modern times, it may not be as good for us as previously thought.

 

Professor Stephen Schumack, President of the Australasian College of Dermatologists explains the type of damage that can occur from over-washing.

 

He told The Sydney Morning Herald: "Over-washing causes 'defatting' of the skin – getting rid of the natural body oils we produce to protect the skin cells.

 

“This can cause actual damage making them more permeable to bacteria or viruses, precipitating itchy skin, dryness, flakiness and worsening conditions like eczema.

 

 

While there is no official guidance on how often you should shower to stay clean and keep your microbiome in prime condition, every second day seems to be the optimal choice.

 

Dr Schumack advises: “A sedentary person can get away with a shower once, twice or three times a week, especially in winter. It varies on your skin type and what you are doing”.

 

Good to know – now we won’t feel so bad next time we don’t have a chance to grab a shower!

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