When and how often we shower depends mainly on our preferences. However, doctors recommend that you shower or wash at night rather than in the morning, and not necessarily every day.
Should we shower every day?
There is no official protocol on how often everyone around the world bathes, however, in countries like India, the US, Spain and Mexico, they bathe approximately once a day (with soap or without soap). him), according to Euromonitor International.
According to David Leffell of the Yale School of Medicine, more important than how often we shower is how long it lasts and what the water temperature is. The more we wash and the hotter the water, the worse it is for us. More precisely, for our skin, which with this treatment becomes dry, more susceptible to damage and allergies.
How long should the wash last?
Leffell, who is a dermatologist, believes that a 3-minute bath is sufficient. In an interview with Business Insider, he emphasizes that showering is about getting rid of dirt, not about removing our body odor. He also adds that it is enough to concentrate on the armpits and crotch, and that in other parts of the body we should not abuse the use of soap.
He also points out that since we regularly shed the protective layer of natural oils and sebum from our skin, we need to hydrate it immediately after getting out of the shower. Especially if we are used to showering in hot or not very warm water. The higher the water temperature, the more dry the skin will be.
Hygiene needs according to the different stages of life
The American Academy of Dermatology advises parents on how often babies bathe, based on how dirty and smelly they get. If they are not too dirty from playing, the recommendation is a bath at least once or twice a week for children between the ages of 6 and 11. Their small developing immune systems need some dirt to grow strong.
But once we hit 12, the official bathing guide stops. The AAD seems to assume that almost everyone is trying to get rid of those uncomfortable teenage odors, and that most people have a daily shower routine by the time they hit puberty.
A person's bathroom needs change throughout his life, however circumstances such as a pandemic do not require a drastic measure such as complete decontamination of the body, every day. Hygiene and healthy distance measures consist of washing hands and taking care of the distance with other people.
Babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that the common practice of bathing babies daily is not really necessary. They suggest that the time to start regular whole-body washes is when babies crawl and begin to eat.
Children
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, although daily bathing is safe for children ages 6 to 11, they only need to bathe every few days.
Once young people reach puberty, the frequency with which they need to shower will vary from person to person. Many people suggest that daily showering is necessary at this time, but this is a personal matter and not a medical recommendation.
Teenagers
Many teens are very physically active, and showers are a good idea after strenuous sporting events or practices, including swimming, exercise, and other physical activities.
Older adults
The previously simple act of taking a shower can sometimes be more challenging for older adults.
Older adults may not require a shower every day to maintain the level of cleanliness necessary to protect their skin, prevent infection, and meet general standards of grooming. Bathing once or twice a week can often be enough to meet these criteria, and people can use warm washcloths to keep cool.
Older adults who can no longer bathe can maintain their independence by getting help with their daily activities from caregivers.
Negative effects of bathing every day if not necessary
· The bathroom primarily eliminates odors, rather than reducing people's risk of illness.
· Showering excessively can reduce the hydration of the skin, leaving it dry and chapped.
· Washing removes the 'good' bacteria from the skin that support the immune system.
· Cracked skin can allow germs that cause infections to enter the body.
Showering daily is not really necessary
" I think the shower is primarily for cosmetic reasons," an infectious disease expert and associate dean. " People think they are bathing for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically, that is not the case."
The investigation of Larson has shown that antibacterial soaps and cleaning products that many people use in their homes are no better than plain soap to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. And when it comes to showering, all that scrubbing and scrubbing doesn't amount to much.
" Bathing will remove the odor if you're stinky or have been to the gym,". But in terms of protection against disease, it is probably appropriate to wash your hands regularly to avoid contagion.
How to shower properly so as not to damage the skin?
These simple 3 steps can make the difference to get a shower that does not affect our skin and favors our hygiene.
1. Keep the water temperature warm, not hot.
2. Brief is better. It is recommended to be 3 minutes under the nozzle of the spoon, not 30 minutes.
3. Moisturize your skin when you go out, because applying a lotion while the skin is still damp can block moisture from escaping into the skin.
You can usually get rid of body dirt in less than 3 minutes by focusing on the armpits and groin, without overdoing it with soap on the other parts of the body (and less scented soaps).
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